Whoever, on the high seas, commits the crime of piracy as defined by the law of nations, and is afterwards brought into or found in the United States, shall be imprisoned for life.
Doesn't look like maximum to me. Looks like life in prison is the only punishment.
I'll up the ante: 18 U.S.C. § 1657 -
Whoever consults, combines, confederates, or corresponds with any pirate or robber upon the seas, knowing him to be guilty of any piracy or robbery; ... Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.
The FBI agents knowingly corresponded with pirates in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1657. Are they in jail yet?
In the context of death, which was the context in which I posted my comment, it doesn't seem like the maximum. Perhaps you think life in prison is the "maximum punishment". I don't.
"The FBI agents knowingly corresponded with pirates in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1657. Are they in jail yet? "
Fascinating logic. Capt. Richard Phillips of the Alabama Mersk had numerous conversations with the pirates, as did most of his crew. I suppose they should be in jail too, right?
I little common sense, goes a very long way. Just saying.