Federal · Title 16 — Conservation

16 U.S.C. § 114: Removal, disturbance, destruction, or molestation of ruins

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

It is illegal to willfully remove, disturb, destroy, or damage ruins, mounds, buildings, graves, or relics of ancient civilizations in designated parks. Conviction carries a fine up to $1,000 and/or up to 12 months imprisonment.

Read the full statutory text

Any person or persons who may otherwise in any manner willfully remove, disturb, destroy, or molest any of the ruins, mounds, buildings, graves, relics, or other evidences of an ancient civilization or other property from said park shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction before any court having jurisdiction of such offenses shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than twelve months, or such person or persons may be fined and imprisoned, at the discretion of the judge, and shall be required to restore the property disturbed, if possible.

Verify at the official source: Federal legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.