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Federal Jurisdiction-Incidental Use Of Facilities In Interstate Commerce Held Sufficient To Invoke Travel Act

University of Richmond Law Review

18 U.S.C. § 1952, commonly known as the Travel Act, prohibits travel or the use of facilities in interstate commerce in aid of racketeering. An examination of the statute's history shows that it was passed to enable federal prosecution of those who remained immune from state prosecution by residing outside the state wherein the illegality transpired. However, the Act's scope is not limited to this target, and prosecution is permitted for the same offense under applicable state law. The statute, which has withstood several constitutional attacks,' was designed to assist the states in controlling criminality crossing state boundaries.