### Question
How does the law define foreign authority?


### Answer
Under *18 U.S.C. § 3512*, **foreign authority** is defined as:

> a foreign judicial authority, a foreign authority responsible for the investigation or prosecution of criminal offenses or for proceedings related to the prosecution of criminal offenses, or an authority designated as a competent authority or central authority for the purpose of making requests for assistance pursuant to an agreement or treaty with the United States regarding assistance in criminal matters

#### Citation:
  - *18 U.S.C. § 3512*
  - Heading: **PART II-CRIMINAL PROCEDURE > CHAPTER 223-WITNESSES AND EVIDENCE**

