Federal · Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal Procedure

18 U.S.C. § 1655: Assault on commander as piracy

Felony

What this law says, in plain English

A seaman who violently assaults their commander to prevent defense of the vessel or cargo is classified as a pirate and subject to life imprisonment.

Read the full statutory text

Whoever, being a seaman, lays violent hands upon his commander, to hinder and prevent his fighting in defense of his vessel or the goods intrusted to him, is a pirate, and shall be imprisoned for life.

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.