US Laws, Codes, Statutes & Cases

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[Laws in effect as of January 24, 2002]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 24, 2002 and December 19, 2002]
[CITE: 18USC3109]

 
                 TITLE 18--CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
 
                       PART II--CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
 
                   CHAPTER 205--SEARCHES AND SEIZURES
 
Sec. 3109. Breaking doors or windows for entry or exit

    The officer may break open any outer or inner door or window of a 
house, or any part of a house, or anything therein, to execute a search 
warrant, if, after notice of his authority and purpose, he is refused 
admittance or when necessary to liberate himself or a person aiding him 
in the execution of the warrant.

(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 820.)


                      Historical and Revision Notes

    Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., Secs. 618, 619 (June 15, 1917, 
ch. 30, title XI, Secs. 8, 9, 40 Stat. 229).
    Said sections 618 and 619 were consolidated with minor changes in 
phraseology but without change of substance.