§232 Definitions

Summary

Defines several key words used in the chapter. Civil disorder means any public disturbance with acts of violence by three or more persons that creates an immediate danger of, or causes, harm to people or property. Commerce means trade or movement across state lines or to places outside a state, movement through another state, or anything entirely inside the District of Columbia. Federally protected function means any job or action carried out under U.S. law by a federal department, agency, or officer, and it specifically includes collecting and distributing the U.S. mail. Firearm means any weapon made or easily changed to shoot a projectile by an explosive, and the frame or receiver of such a weapon. Explosive or incendiary device covers things like dynamite, bombs, grenades, missiles, and fire bombs, including devices made from a breakable container with flammable liquid and a wick that one person can carry or throw. Fireman means any member of a fire department, including volunteers, of any State, political subdivision, or the District of Columbia. Law enforcement officer means any officer or employee of the United States, a State, a political subdivision, or the District of Columbia while enforcing criminal laws, and it specifically includes members of the National Guard (as defined in section 101 of title 10), members of organized militia not in the Guard, and members of the Armed Forces when they are suppressing violence or restoring order during a civil disorder. State includes a State of the United States and any commonwealth, territory, or possession.