How can i get a copy of the privacy laws protecting me against people opening my mail?

Question

I know this is a federal crime, but i would like to get a copy of those laws or acts. I am an adult now, but i still live with my parents. They continually open my mail stating it was "an accident". Ironicly the only mail they open are bank statements, loan information, and other letters concerning finances. I don't want to necessarily prosecute them, but i would like them to understand the severity.

Answer 1

http://www.usps.com/judicial/

Answer 2

That would be the U.S. Postal Service's baileywick:

http://www.usps.com/privacyoffice/intell...

Federal Statutes and Regulations Relating to the Privacy and Security of Mail  



The Postal Service has a long tradition of protecting both the cover and contents of mail. Mail protections are grounded in the 4th Amendment, federal criminal and civil statutes, postal statutes and regulations, and court decisions.

Title 18 of the U.S. Code (Crimes and Criminal Procedure) contains all federal criminal laws, including those enforced by the Postal Inspection Service. Title 39 (Postal Service) contains federal civil laws relating to the establishment of the Postal Service and its authority. Other relevant laws are also listed below. The major postal regulations protecting mail are contained in the USPS Administrative Support Manual, Domestic Mail Classification Schedule, Domestic Mail Manual, International Mail Manual, and Postal Operations Manual.

Below are some of the more significant federal laws and regulations that pertain to the privacy and security of the mail.  



  

TITLE 18, U.S. Code:  CRIMINAL PROCEDURE  

Section 1114:  Protection of officers and employees of the United States  

Section 1701:  Obstruction of mails generally  

Section 1702:  Obstruction of correspondence  

Section 1703:  Delay or destruction of mail or newspapers  

Section 1708:  Theft or receipt of stolen mail matter generally  

Section 1709:  Theft of mail matter by officer or employee (of USPS)  

Section 1716:  Injurious articles as non-mailable  

Section 3061:  Investigative powers of Postal Service personnel  

TITLE 39, U.S. Code: POSTAL SERVICE  

Section 410:

Application of other laws (disclosures)  

Section 412:

Nondisclosure of lists of names and addresses  

Section 3003:  Mail bearing a fictitious name or address  

Section 3004:  Delivery of mail to persons not residents of the place of address  

Section 3623:  Mail Classification (mail sealed against inspection)  

OTHER LAWS  

Title 5 (Government Organization and Employees), U.S. Code, Section 552a, The Privacy Act of 1974  

Title 19 (Customs Duties), U.S. Code, Section 1583, Examination of outbound mail  

Title 49 (Transportation), U.S. Code, Section 44901, Screening passengers and property  

See esp 1702 Obstruction of Correspondence http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/18/us...

Whoever takes any letter, postal card, or package out of any post office or any authorized depository for mail matter, or from any letter or mail carrier, or which has been in any post office or authorized depository, or in the custody of any letter or mail carrier, before it has been delivered to the person to whom it was directed, with design to obstruct the correspondence, or to pry into the business or secrets of another, or opens, secretes, embezzles, or destroys the same, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.

key words - before it has been delivered to the person to whom it was directed

Give 'em h**l!

Answer 3

google is your friend, and get a PO box sheesh.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Editor gave you EVERYTHING you need :)

I agree, open a PO Box, it IS cheap, and VERY easy, just go to your local post office and there is a form to fill out, and a small fee.  

Answer 6

I realize you want to put the facts in their face but it just seems easier and more peace loving to open a post office box.  They are cheap and no one can access them but the owner.  

Doing that would avoid conflict, hurt feelings, arguing, bad feelings etc.  

It seems like when we, as adults, live at home, our parents still see us as their kids...and feel entitled to information about us.  

Its not fair and it isnt right....but maybe it isnt fair or right that you live with them?    

Answer 7

http://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/

This is the site for the laws. Remeber when it comes to your parents, they are looking out for you, it seems for your own good. They love you and want the best for you. You might have a talk with them and remind them you are an adult, and that opening your mail is a breech of trust between you three.  You don't do it to them and they shouldn't do it to you.  Respect and love are the other key words to use in the conversation.  They just need a small reminder or nudge that you are an adult.

Answer 8

http://www.netatty.com/privacy/privacy.h...