50 USC Ch. 39: SPOILS OF WAR (2024)

50 USC Ch. 39: SPOILS OF WAR

From Title 50—WAR AND NATIONAL DEFENSE

CHAPTER 39—SPOILS OF WAR

Sec.

2201.

Transfers of spoils of war.

2203.

Report on previous transfers.

2204.

Definitions.

2205.

Construction.

§2201. Transfers of spoils of war

(a) Eligibility for transfer

Spoils of war in the possession, custody, or control of the United States may be transferred to any other party, including any government, group, or person, by sale, grant, loan or in any other manner, only to the extent and in the same manner that property of the same type, if otherwise owned by the United States, may be so transferred.

(b) Terms and conditions

Any transfer pursuant to subsection (a) shall be subject to all of the terms, conditions, and requirements applicable to the transfer of property of the same type otherwise owned by the United States.

(Pub. L. 103–236, title V, §552, Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 482.)


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title

Pub. L. 103–236, title V, §551, Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 482, provided that: "This part [part B (§§551–556) of title V of Pub. L. 103–236, enacting this chapter] may be cited as the 'Spoils of War Act of 1994'."

§2202. Prohibition on transfers to countries which support terrorism

Spoils of war in the possession, custody, or control of the United States may not be transferred to any country determined by the Secretary of State, for purposes of section 2780 of title 22, to be a nation whose government has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism.

(Pub. L. 103–236, title V, §553, Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 482.)

§2203. Report on previous transfers

Not later than 90 days after April 30, 1994, the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report describing any spoils of war obtained subsequent to August 2, 1990 that were transferred to any party, including any government, group, or person, before April 30, 1994. Such report shall be submitted in unclassified form to the extent possible.

(Pub. L. 103–236, title V, §554, Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 482.)

§2204. Definitions

As used in this chapter—

(1) the term "appropriate congressional committees" means the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, or, where required by law for certain reporting purposes, the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate and the Select1 Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives;

(2) the term "enemy" means any country, government, group, or person that has been engaged in hostilities, whether or not lawfully authorized, with the United States;

(3) the term "person" means—

(A) any natural person;

(B) any corporation, partnership, or other legal entity; and

(C) any organization, association, or group; and


(4) the term "spoils of war" means enemy movable property lawfully captured, seized, confiscated, or found which has become United States property in accordance with the laws of war.

(Pub. L. 103–236, title V, §555, Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 482.)

1So in original. Probably should be preceded by "Permanent".

§2205. Construction

Nothing in this chapter shall apply to—

(1) the abandonment or failure to take possession of spoils of war by troops in the field for valid military reasons related to the conduct of the immediate conflict, including the burden of transporting such property or a decision to allow allied forces to take immediate possession of certain property solely for use during an ongoing conflict;

(2) the abandonment or return of any property obtained, borrowed, or requisitioned for temporary use during military operations without intent to retain possession of such property;

(3) the destruction of spoils of war by troops in the field;

(4) the return of spoils of war to previous owners from whom such property had been seized by enemy forces; or

(5) minor articles of personal property which have lawfully become the property of individual members of the armed forces as war trophies pursuant to public written authorization from the Department of Defense.

(Pub. L. 103–236, title V, §556, Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 483.)

50 USC Ch. 39: SPOILS OF WAR (2024)

FAQs

Is spoils of war illegal? ›

Spoils of war in the possession, custody, or control of the United States may not be transferred to any country determined by the Secretary of State, for purposes of section 2780 of title 22 , to be a nation whose government has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism. ( Pub. L.

What is the title 50 of the USC Code? ›

TITLE 50—WAR AND NATIONAL DEFENSE.

What is the spoils of war saying? ›

The phrase is the spoils of war. It will depend on the era (or the cultural attitudes) but it can mean the: legitimate - taking of the land or property of the defeated. Illegitimate - looting / plundering the same of the defeated.

What are examples of spoils of war? ›

Spoils of war refer to items that are taken from an enemy during a war. These items can include things like weapons, money, and other valuable possessions. Sometimes, people might also use the term booty to describe these spoils.

What does the Bible mean by spoils of war? ›

God not only allows our battles, but he has a glorious purpose for them in our lives. So, what are "spoils of warfare"? Spoils are plunder, loot, goods taken in battle by the victors.

Can US soldiers take spoils of war? ›

A member of the armed forces (or other person under the authority of the armed forces in a theater of operations) may not (except in accordance with such regulations) take from a theater of operations as a souvenir an object formerly in the possession of the enemy.

What is title 10 in the military? ›

Title 10 of the United States Code outlines the role of United States Armed Forces. It provides the legal basis for the roles, missions and organization of each of the services as well as the United States Department of Defense. Each of the five subtitles deals with a separate aspect or component of the armed services.

What is the USC law code? ›

The United States Code (formally the Code of Laws of the United States of America) is the official codification of the general and permanent federal statutes of the United States. It contains 53 titles (Titles 1–54, excepting Title 53, which is reserved for a proposed title on small business).

What is the 50 USC app 453? ›

App. 453), provides that male citizens of the United States and other male persons residing in the United States who are between the ages of 18 and 26, except those exempted by Sections 3 and 6(a) of the Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S.C. App.

What is considered spoils of war? ›

(4) the term “spoils of war” means enemy movable property lawfully captured, seized, confiscated, or found which has become United States property in accordance with the laws of war.

What is the spoils of war reward? ›

The spoils of war is a reward from the Soul Wars Minigame. It can be purchased from Nomad on the Isle of Souls for 30 Zeal Tokens. Unlike supply crates and some impling jars which cannot be taken to Entrana nor opened there for possibly containing dangerous weapons and armour, the spoils of war can be taken to Entrana.

What is another word for spoils of war? ›

Some common synonyms of spoils are booty, loot, plunder, prize, and spoil. While all these words mean "something taken from another by force or craft," spoil, more commonly spoils, applies to what belongs by right or custom to the victor in war or political contest. When can booty be used instead of spoils?

What does the word spoil mean in the Bible? ›

From dictionary the verb spoil means transitive archaic. To strip (someone who has been killed or defeated) of their arms or armour. As a noun the word spoil means: noun (plural spoils)(Also in plural: spoils) Plunder taken from an enemy or victim. After victory in a battle the spoil was divided to the great men of war.

Is spoils of war still legal? ›

It's expressly prohibited under both International and U.S. law, although, the practice has historical precedent. The idea of “the spoils of war” began in Ancient times when soldiers and sailors were paid shares of whatever treasures were captured in battle.

Which surah is about war? ›

Al-Anfal (Arabic: ٱلأنفال, al-ʾanfāl; meaning The Spoils of War, Earnings, Savings, Profits) is the eighth chapter (sūrah) of the Quran, with 75 verses (āyāt).

Is it illegal to profit off of war? ›

The crime would be a felony subject to criminal penalties of up to 20 years in prison and fines up to a million dollars or twice the illegal gross profits of the crime, whichever is higher.

What are the rules of spoils of war? ›

Spoils of War is played over the course of 9 Rounds. During each Round, the Vikings roll dice, make declarations about their dice rolls, place bets, then divide the Treasure based on how well they bet. After 9 Rounds, the Viking with the most Gold and Treasure Stash wins!

Is it illegal to loot bodies in war? ›

During modern-day armed conflicts, looting is prohibited by international law, and constitutes a war crime.

What kind of warfare is illegal? ›

These include prohibition on exploding or expanding bullets (1868), expanding bullets (1899), poison and asphyxiating gases (1925), biological weapons (1972), chemical weapons (1993), munitions using undetectable fragments (1980), blinding laser weapons (1995), anti-personnel mines (1997), cluster munitions (2008), ...

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kieth Sipes

Last Updated:

Views: 5707

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (47 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kieth Sipes

Birthday: 2001-04-14

Address: Suite 492 62479 Champlin Loop, South Catrice, MS 57271

Phone: +9663362133320

Job: District Sales Analyst

Hobby: Digital arts, Dance, Ghost hunting, Worldbuilding, Kayaking, Table tennis, 3D printing

Introduction: My name is Kieth Sipes, I am a zany, rich, courageous, powerful, faithful, jolly, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.