2020 US Code
Title 18 - Crimes and Criminal Procedure
Part I - Crimes
Chapter 45 - Foreign Relations
Sec. 963 - Detention of armed vessel

Download PDF
Citation 18 U.S.C. § 963 (2020)
Section Name §963. Detention of armed vessel
Section Text

(a) During a war in which the United States is a neutral nation, the President, or any person authorized by him, may detain any armed vessel owned wholly or in part by citizens of the United States, or any vessel, domestic or foreign (other than one which has entered the ports of the United States as a public vessel), which is manifestly built for warlike purposes or has been converted or adapted from a private vessel to one suitable for warlike use, until the owner or master, or person having charge of such vessel, shall furnish proof satisfactory to the President, or to the person duly authorized by him, that the vessel will not be employed to cruise against or commit or attempt to commit hostilities upon the subjects, citizens, or property of any foreign prince or state, or of any colony, district, or people with which the United States is at peace, and that the said vessel will not be sold or delivered to any belligerent nation, or to an agent, officer, or citizen of such nation, by them or any of them, within the jurisdiction of the United States, or upon the high seas.

(b) Whoever, in violation of this section takes, or attempts to take, or authorizes the taking of any such vessel, out of port or from the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.

In addition, such vessel, her tackle, apparel, furniture, equipment, and her cargo shall be forfeited to the United States.

Source Credit

(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 746; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, §330016(1)(L), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147.)

Editorial Notes HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES

Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §§32, 36 (June 15, 1917, ch. 30, title V, §§2, 6, 40 Stat. 221, 222; Mar. 28, 1940, ch. 72, §5, 54 Stat. 79).

Section consolidates said sections of title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed.

Words "within the United States" were substituted for "within the jurisdiction" etc., in view of the definition of United States in section 5 of this title.

Mandatory punishment provision was rephrased in the alternative.

The conspiracy provision of said section 36 was omitted as covered by section 371 of this title. See reviser's note under that section.

Changes in phraseology were also made.


EDITORIAL NOTES AMENDMENTS

1994—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–322 substituted "fined under this title" for "fined not more than $10,000".


EXECUTIVE DOCUMENTS DELEGATION OF FUNCTIONS

For delegation to Secretary of Homeland Security of authority vested in President by this section, see section 1(l) of Ex. Ord. No. 10637, Sept. 16, 1955, 20 F.R. 7025, as amended, set out as a note under section 301 of Title 3, The President.

Publication Title United States Code, 2018 Edition, Supplement 2, Title 18 - CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
Category Bills and Statutes
Collection United States Code
SuDoc Class Number Y 1.2/5:
Contained Within Title 18 - CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
PART I - CRIMES
CHAPTER 45 - FOREIGN RELATIONS
Sec. 963 - Detention of armed vessel
Contains section 963
Date 2020
Laws In Effect As Of Date January 13, 2021
Positive Law Yes
Disposition standard
Statutes at Large References 40 Stat. 221
54 Stat. 79
62 Stat. 746
108 Stat. 2147
Public Law References Public Law 103-322
Disclaimer: These codes may not be the most recent version. United States may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.