Oklahoma § 21-372 - Mutilation, treating with indignity or destroying flag Definitions
Full text of Oklahoma Oklahoma Statutes § 21-372 — Mutilation, treating with indignity or destroying flag Definitions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 21-372. Mutilation, treating with indignity or destroying flag Definitions
A. Any person who shall contemptuously or maliciously tear
down, burn, trample upon, mutilate, deface, defile, defy, treat with
indignity, wantonly destroy, or cast contempt, either by word or
act, upon any flag, standard, colors or ensign of the United States
of America shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a Class D3 felony
offense and shall be punished by imprisonment as provided for in
subsections B through F of Section 20P of this title.
B. The word "defile" as used in this section shall include
public conduct which brings shame or disgrace upon any flag of the
United States by its use for unpatriotic or profane purpose.
C. The terms "flag", "standard", "colors", or "ensign" of the
United States as used in this section shall include any picture,
representation or part thereof which an average person would
believe, upon seeing and without deliberation, to represent the
flag, standard, colors or ensign of the United States of America.
Added by Laws 1919, c. 72, p. 113, § 2. Amended by Laws 1967, c.
298, § 1; Laws 1971, c. 1, § 1, emerg. eff. Feb. 17, 1971; Laws
1997, c. 133, § 176, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 2025, c. 486, § 662,
eff. Jan. 1, 2026.
NOTE: Laws 1998, 1st Ex.Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective
date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 176 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999.
Source: official Oklahoma text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Oklahoma § 21-372
What does Oklahoma Statutes § 21-372 cover?
Section 21-372 ("Mutilation, treating with indignity or destroying flag Definitions") is part of the Oklahoma Statutes, the codified statutory law of Oklahoma. 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 Oklahoma § 21-372?
A common citation format is "Oklahoma Statutes § 21-372" (Oklahoma). 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 Oklahoma law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Oklahoma official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Oklahoma attorney.
How does Oklahoma § 21-372 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma.