Us Code § 140503 - Membership

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 140503 — Membership, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 140503. Membership

(a) Active Members.—An individual is eligible for active membership in the corporation if the individual—

(1) is of good moral character; and

(2) has received the Purple Heart for wounds received as a member, of any rank, of the Armed Forces of the United States or any foreign country during military or naval combat against an armed enemy of the United States.


(b) Associate Members.—The corporation may extend eligibility for membership as associate members to the parents, spouse, siblings, and lineal descendants of an individual described in subsection (a) of this section on terms provided in its constitution and bylaws.

(c) Voting.—Each member described in subsection (a) of this section has one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of the members.

(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1382; Pub. L. 110–207, §2, Apr. 30, 2008, 122 Stat. 719.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised

Section

Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)
140503 36:826. Aug. 26, 1958, Pub. L. 85–761, §6, 72 Stat. 857.

In this section, the text of 36:826(d) is omitted as obsolete.

In subsection (a), the words "has received" are substituted for "who have received or who may hereafter receive", and the words "as a member" are substituted for "are, have been, or may become members", for clarity and to eliminate unnecessary words.

In subsection (b), the word "may" is substituted for "shall have the power, moreover, to" for consistency and to eliminate unnecessary words.


Editorial Notes

Amendments

2008—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 110–207 substituted "the parents, spouse, siblings, and lineal descendants" for "parents and lineal descendants".

About This Section

36 U.S.C. § 140503 is part of Title 36 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 36 U.S.C. § 140503. 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

This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 140503

What does United States Code § 140503 cover?

Section 140503 ("Membership") 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 § 140503?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 140503" (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 § 140503 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.