Maine 4.18.1951, or the Hobbs Act, is a federal law that prohibits individuals from obstructing, delaying, or affecting interstate commerce by the use of robbery or extortion. This law was enacted in 1946 to help combat organized crime and its effects on commerce in the United States. The Hobbs Act applies to any individual or group that uses force, violence, or fear to interfere with interstate commerce, including any activity that affects a business’s ability to transport goods or services across state lines. The law also applies to activities affecting businesses that are not directly involved in interstate commerce, such as companies producing goods or services for out-of-state customers. The Hobbs Act is split into two categories, robbery and extortion. Robbery is defined as the taking of personal property from another person or business by force, violence, or fear. Extortion is the use of threats, violence, or fear to obtain property or money from another person or business. Both offenses are punishable by fines and/or imprisonment, with the length of the sentence dependent on the severity of the crime. The Hobbs Act provides a way for businesses and individuals to seek redress from those responsible for interfering with their interstate commerce. The law is enforced by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the US Attorney's Office in each state. It is important for businesses and individuals to be aware of the Hobbs Act and the consequences of violating it, as it is a serious criminal offense and can lead to serious penalties.