Offenses proscribed by the statute include falsification, concealment, or other cover-up of a material fact by trick, scheme, or device; making false, fictitious or fraudulent statements or representations; and making or using a writing or document with the knowledge that it contains fake statements. Penalties for Section 1001 violations include a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for not more than five years, or both. The legal elements of a Section 1001 violation are discussed, along with relevant case law. Defenses employed by defendants in combatting Section 1001 charges are detailed. The statute's broad scope ensures that false statements not yet anticipated by Congress can be criminally penalized. 77 footnotes.