Influencing juror by writing
Official text prohibited actmental stateif conditionpenaltylegal term
Whoever to influence the action or decision of any grand or petit juror of any court of the United States upon any issue or matter pending before such juror, or before the jury of which he is a member, or pertaining to his duties, by writing or sending to him any written communication, in relation to such issue or matter, shall be or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the communication of a request to appear before the grand jury.
History: (June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 770 (PDF, 39 MB); Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, §330016(1)(H), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147 (PDF, 52 MB).)
Simplified explanation
It is a federal crime to try to influence a federal juror's decision by writing to them or sending them a written message about a case. This covers both grand jurors (who decide whether to charge someone) and trial jurors. Asking someone in writing to appear before a grand jury is allowed.