Under 18 USC 201, what is the main offense defined?

The main offense defined under 18 USC 201 is indeed the bribery of public officials and witnesses. This statute specifically addresses the acts of offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value to influence an official act or to induce a public official to violate lawful duty. The law is designed to maintain the integrity of public officials and the judicial process by prohibiting any form of bribery, which undermines trust in government and legal proceedings.

Bribery can take various forms, including direct payments, gifts, or favors intended to sway the actions of an official in their capacity as a public servant. This statute emphasizes the seriousness of corrupting public officials and aims to penalize those who engage in such behavior, thereby supporting a transparent and accountable government system.

In contrast, the other options address different criminal offenses. Assault on federal officers pertains to violence against law enforcement personnel, conspiracy to defraud the U.S. involves schemes to deceive government entities, and accessory after the fact relates to providing assistance to someone who has committed a crime. Each of these offenses has a distinct legal framework and implications that do not overlap with the specific provisions outlined in 18 USC 201 regarding bribery.