Civil disorders — Us Code Code § 231

Us Code Code § 231 — Civil disorders. Reproduced from the official United States Code, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.

§ 231. Civil disorders

(a)(1) Whoever teaches or demonstrates to any other person the use, application, or making of any firearm or explosive or incendiary device, or technique capable of causing injury or death to persons, knowing or having reason to know or intending that the same will be unlawfully employed for use in, or in furtherance of, a civil disorder which may in any way or degree obstruct, delay, or adversely affect commerce or the movement of any article or commodity in commerce or the conduct or performance of any federally protected function; or

(2) Whoever transports or manufactures for transportation in commerce any firearm, or explosive or incendiary device, knowing or having reason to know or intending that the same will be used unlawfully in furtherance of a civil disorder; or

(3) Whoever commits or attempts to commit any act to obstruct, impede, or interfere with any fireman or law enforcement officer lawfully engaged in the lawful performance of his official duties incident to and during the commission of a civil disorder which in any way or degree obstructs, delays, or adversely affects commerce or the movement of any article or commodity in commerce or the conduct or performance of any federally protected function—

Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.

(b) Nothing contained in this section shall make unlawful any act of any law enforcement officer which is performed in the lawful performance of his official duties.

(Added Pub. L. 90–284, title X, §1002(a), Apr. 11, 1968, 82 Stat. 90; amended Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, §330016(1)(L), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147.)


Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–322 substituted "fined under this title" for "fined not more than $10,000" in concluding par.


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title

Pub. L. 90–284, title X, §1001, Apr. 11, 1968, 82 Stat. 90, provided that: "This title [enacting this chapter] may be cited as the 'Civil Obedience Act of 1968'."

About This Section

18 U.S.C. § 231 is part of Title 18 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 18 U.S.C. § 231. 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.

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Sources

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

At a glance

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Common questions

What is the source of United States Code § 231?

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What subject does United States Code § 231 address?

It addresses "Civil disorders". Read the section together with the surrounding provisions listed under "Nearby provisions" for the full picture.

Is United States Code § 231 still in force?

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