PARENTAL KIDNAPPING PREVENTION ACT

“The Federal Kidnapping Act was passed in 1932 to close a dangerous loophole between

state and federal law. At that time, marauding bands of kidnappers were preying upon the wealthy

with ruthless abandon, seizing their victims for ransom while operating outside the reach of

existing state laws. Knowing that authorities in the victim’s home state were powerless once a

hostage was transported across state lines, the criminals would kidnap their target in one state,

then move quickly to the next. In response, Congress made kidnapping a federal crime when the

victim was moved from one state to another, and comprehensive language was used to cover every

possible variety of kidnapping followed by interstate transportation.” 1 Am. Jur. 2d Abduction and

Kidnapping § 14, at 185 (1994).[Blacks Law 8th]