Us Code § 1171 - Seizure and forfeiture of vessels

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 1171 — Seizure and forfeiture of vessels, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 1171. Seizure and forfeiture of vessels

(a) Every vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States that is employed in any manner in connection with a violation of the provision of this chapter, including its tackle, apparel, furniture, appurtenances, cargo, and stores shall be subject to forfeiture; and all fur seals, or parts thereof, taken or retained in violation of this chapter, or the monetary value thereof, shall be forfeited.

(b) All provisions of law relating to the seizure, summary and judicial forfeiture, and condemnation of a vessel, including its tackle, apparel, furniture, appurtenances, cargo, and stores for violation of the customs laws, the disposition of such vessel, including its tackle, apparel, furniture, appurtenances, cargo, and stores or the proceeds from the sale thereof, and the remission or mitigation of such forfeitures shall apply to seizures and forfeitures incurred, or alleged to have been incurred, under the provisions of this chapter, insofar as such provisions of law are applicable and not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter.

(Pub. L. 89–702, title III, §301, Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1096; Pub. L. 98–129, §2, Oct. 14, 1983, 97 Stat. 844.)


Editorial Notes

Amendments

1983—Pub. L. 98–129 amended section generally, substituting provisions, which were contained in section 1181 of this title, relating to seizure and forfeiture of vessels for provisions prohibiting the taking of sea otters on the high seas.

About This Section

16 U.S.C. § 1171 is part of Title 16 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 16 U.S.C. § 1171. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.

Using This Page

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 1171

What does United States Code § 1171 cover?

Section 1171 ("Seizure and forfeiture of vessels") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. 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 Us Code § 1171?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 1171" (Us Code). 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 Us Code law?

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

How does Us Code § 1171 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code 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 Us Code.