Us Code § 302 - National motto

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 302 — National motto, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 302. National motto

"In God we trust" is the national motto.

(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1263; Pub. L. 107–293, §3(a), Nov. 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 2060.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised

Section

Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)
302 36:186. July 30, 1956, ch. 795, 70 Stat. 732.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2002—Pub. L. 107–293 reenacted section catchline and text without change.


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Reaffirmation of Language

Pub. L. 107–293, §3(b), Nov. 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 2061, provided that: "In codifying this subsection [probably should be "section", meaning section 3 of Pub. L. 107–293, which amended this section], the Office of the Law Revision Counsel shall make no change in section 302, title 36, United States Code, but shall show in the historical and statutory notes that the 107th Congress reaffirmed the exact language that has appeared in the Motto for decades."

About This Section

36 U.S.C. § 302 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. § 302. 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 § 302

What does United States Code § 302 cover?

Section 302 ("National motto") 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 § 302?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 302" (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 § 302 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.