Delaware § 305 - Use of State Defense Forces outside of Delaware.

Full text of Delaware Delaware Code § 305 — Use of State Defense Forces outside of Delaware., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 305. Use of State Defense Forces outside of Delaware.

(a) The Delaware State Defense Forces shall not be required to serve outside the boundaries of the State except:

(1) Upon the request of the governor of another state, the Governor of this State may, in the Governor of this State’s discretion, order any portion or all of such forces to assist the military or police forces of such other state who are actually engaged in defending such other state.

(2) Any organization, unit or detachment of the Delaware State Defense Forces, upon order of the officer in immediate command thereof, may continue in fresh pursuit of insurrectionists, saboteurs, enemies or enemy forces beyond the borders of this State into another state until they are apprehended or captured by such organization, unit or detachment or until the military or police forces of the other state or the forces of the United States have had a reasonable opportunity to take up the pursuit or to apprehend or capture such persons; provided, that such other state shall have given authority by law for such pursuit by such forces of this State.

(b) Any such person who is apprehended or captured in such other state by an organization, unit or detachment of the forces of this State shall without unnecessary delay be surrendered to the military or police forces of the state in which such person is taken or to the United States, but such surrender shall not constitute a waiver by this State of its right to extradite or prosecute such person for any crime committed in this State.

43 Del. Laws, c. 81, §  5;  20 Del. C. 1953, §  306;  64 Del. Laws, c. 258, §  1;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1; 

Source: official Delaware text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Delaware § 305

What does Delaware Code § 305 cover?

Section 305 ("Use of State Defense Forces outside of Delaware.") is part of the Delaware Code, the codified statutory law of Delaware. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Delaware § 305?

A common citation format is "Delaware Code § 305" (Delaware). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Delaware law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Delaware official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Delaware attorney.

How does Delaware § 305 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Delaware can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Delaware.