§962 — Title 18 Crimes and Criminal Procedure | U.S. Code

Summary

Anyone in the United States who equips, arms, or tries to equip or arm a ship — or who gives papers in the U.S. to authorize such a ship — intending it to be used by a foreign ruler, state, colony, district, or people to attack or harass people or property of a foreign power that the United States is at peace with, can be fined, jailed for up to three years, or both. The ship, its equipment, weapons, ammunition, and supplies will be seized. Half of the value goes to the person who reports it and half goes to the United States.

Title 18, §962

Crimes and Criminal Procedure — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

Whoever, within the United States, furnishes, fits out, arms, or attempts to furnish, fit out or arm, any vessel, with intent that such vessel shall be employed in the service of any foreign prince, or state, or of any colony, district, or people, to cruise, or commit hostilities against the subjects, citizens, or property of any foreign prince or state, or of any colony, district, or people with whom the United States is at peace; or Whoever issues or delivers a commission within the United States for any vessel, to the intent that she may be so employed— Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both. Every such vessel, her tackle, apparel, and furniture, together with all materials, arms, ammunition, and stores which may have been procured for the building and equipment thereof, shall be forfeited, one half to the use of the informer and the other half to the use of the United States.

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., § 23 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, § 11, 35 Stat. 1090). Reference to persons causing or procuring was omitted as unnecessary in view of definition of “principal” in section 2 of this title. 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. Minor change was made in phraseology.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $10,000” in third par.

§962 Arming vessel against friendly nation