§ 1652
Citizens as pirates
Official text prohibited actmental stateif conditionpenaltylegal term
Whoever, being a citizen of the United States, commits any murder or robbery, or any act of hostility against the United States, or against any citizen thereof, on the high seas, under color of any commission from any foreign prince, or state, or on pretense of authority from any person, is a pirate, and shall be imprisoned for life.
History: (June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 774 (PDF, 39 MB).)
Simplified explanation
It is a federal crime for a U.S. citizen to commit murder, robbery, or a hostile act against the United States or its citizens on the high seas while claiming authority from a foreign ruler, nation, or any person. Such a person is a pirate.