# Justice Manual § 9-85.101: Bribery of Public Officials

> Federal · Agency guidance · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-85.101

## Section

- **Citation:** Justice Manual § 9-85.101
- **Heading:** Bribery of Public Officials
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Agency guidance
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** DOJ Justice Manual / Title 9: Criminal / 9-85.000 - Protection of Government Integrity / Justice Manual § 9-85.101

## Text

Section 201 of Title 18 is entitled "Bribery of public officials and witnesses." The statute comprises two distinct offenses, however, in common parlance only the first, codified in section 201(b) of the statute, is true "bribery." The second offense, codified in section 201(c), concerns what are commonly known as "gratuities," although that word does not appear anywhere in the statute. Due to this distinction, government attorneys should take particular care and should not hesitate to consult with the Public Integrity Section of the Criminal Division.

[updated January 2020]

## Nearby sections

- [Justice Manual § 9-85.100 Supervisory Jurisdiction](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-85.100.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-85.101 Bribery of Public Officials](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-85.101.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-85.110 Investigations Involving Members of Congress](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-85.110.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-85.200 Federally Protected Activities (18 U.S.C. § 245)](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-85.200.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-85.210 Violations of Campaign Financing Laws, Federal Patronage Laws, and Corruption of Elections—Consultation Requirement](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-85.210.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-85.220 Purchase and Sale of Public Office (18 U.S.C. §§ 210, 211)](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-85.220.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-85.300 Non-Interference in Elections When Conducting Federal Criminal Investigations Involving Ballot Fraud](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-85.300.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-85.400 Armed Officials Where Elections are Held](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-85.400.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-85.500 Actions that May Have an Impact on an Election](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-85.500.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-85.101. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.