Conspiracy Theories

What kind of criminal prosecutions might grow out of the Iran-contra affair? The answer can be found in Title 18, Section 371 of the U.S. Code. In exceptionally sweeping language, that statute declares: "If two or more persons conspire either to commit any offense against the United States, or to defraud the United States, or any agency thereof in any manner or for any purpose . . . each shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than five years, or both."

Independent Counsel Lawrence Walsh has already used that provision to convict two minor Iran-contra figures. Fund...

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