Acts that violate the laws of the United States, as codified in the U.S. Code, constitute criminal violations at the federal level. These transgressions are investigated and prosecuted by federal law enforcement agencies and the Department of Justice, respectively. Examples include offenses such as mail fraud, tax evasion, interstate drug trafficking, and certain types of violent crimes committed on federal property or involving federal officials.
The prosecution of crimes against the U.S. government ensures uniform application of laws across all states, protects federal interests, and maintains national security. The historical context of these laws reveals an evolving understanding of the role of the federal government in addressing complex issues that transcend state boundaries, leading to the establishment of a distinct body of criminal law.
