Us Code § 3231 - Applicability to United States intelligence activities of Federal laws implementing international treaties and agreements

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 3231 — Applicability to United States intelligence activities of Federal laws implementing international treaties and agreements, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 3231. Applicability to United States intelligence activities of Federal laws implementing international treaties and agreements

(a) In general

No Federal law enacted on or after December 27, 2000, that implements a treaty or other international agreement shall be construed as making unlawful an otherwise lawful and authorized intelligence activity of the United States Government or its employees, or any other person to the extent such other person is carrying out such activity on behalf of, and at the direction of, the United States, unless such Federal law specifically addresses such intelligence activity.

(b) Authorized intelligence activities

An intelligence activity shall be treated as authorized for purposes of subsection (a) if the intelligence activity is authorized by an appropriate official of the United States Government, acting within the scope of the official duties of that official and in compliance with Federal law and any applicable Presidential directive.

(July 26, 1947, ch. 343, title XI, §1101, formerly title X, §1001, as added Pub. L. 106–567, title III, §308(a), Dec. 27, 2000, 114 Stat. 2839; renumbered title XI, §1101, Pub. L. 107–306, title III, §331(a)(1), (2), Nov. 27, 2002, 116 Stat. 2394.)


Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 442 of this title prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.

About This Section

50 U.S.C. § 3231 is part of Title 50 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 50 U.S.C. § 3231. 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

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Sources

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 3231

What does United States Code § 3231 cover?

Section 3231 ("Applicability to United States intelligence activities of Federal laws implementing international treaties and agreements") 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 § 3231?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 3231" (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 § 3231 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.