§ 963. — Detention of armed vessel.
[Laws in effect as of January 24, 2002]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
January 24, 2002 and December 19, 2002]
[CITE: 18USC963]
TITLE 18--CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
PART I--CRIMES
CHAPTER 45--FOREIGN RELATIONS
Sec. 963. Detention of armed vessel
(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.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 746; Pub. L. 103-322, title XXXIII,
Sec. 330016(1)(L), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147.)
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., Secs. 32, 36 (June 15, 1917,
ch. 30, title V, Secs. 2, 6, 40 Stat. 221, 222; Mar. 28, 1940, ch. 72,
Sec. 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.
Amendments
1994--Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103-322 substituted ``fined under this
title'' for ``fined not more than $10,000''.
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.
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in title 22 section 465.
