663. Special Maritime and Territorial Jurisdiction

A number of Title 18 sections specifically declare certain conduct to be a Federal crime if committed "within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States." See, e.g., murder, 18 U.S.C. §  1111. In some instances, the Assimilative Crimes Act, 18 U.S.C. § 13, is also applicable. See also, 15 U.S.C. § 1175; 15 U.S.C. §  1243; 16 U.S.C. § 3372.

The term "special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States" is defined in eight subsections of 18 U.S.C. § 7. These subsections relate to maritime jurisdiction, 18 U.S.C. §§ 7(1), 7(2); lands and buildings, 18 U.S.C. § 7(3); Guano Islands, 18 U.S.C. §7(4); aircraft, 18 U.S.C. § 7(5); spacecraft, 18 U.S.C. § 7(6); places outside the jurisdiction of any nation, 18 U.S.C. § 7(7); and foreign vessels en route to and from the United States, 18 U.S.C. § 7(8).

[cited in USAM 9-20.100]