Can a foreigner be charged with breaking US law? For example, could someone in Asia be charged with piracy? By extension, does US law apply outside of US territory? For example, when I (as a US citizen) leave US soil, am I still subject to US law?
ANSWER PERSON RESPONDS: This is one of those law questions that librarians (including AP) can’t get involved in. Please consult a lawyer. Nonetheless, a foreigner can be charged in the US with breaking US law (and remember that there are many laws you can break without being present). The juristiction where the crime is committed can charge you, and you — a US citizen or not — can commit a crime in the US (say, securities fraud) while vacationing in Bermuda, can’t you? The bottom line is, don’t break any laws and you’ll be OK. I think that’s safe for a non-lawer to say.