Last Updated on: 10th March 2023, 03:08 pm

Title 18 U.S. Code § 37 – The Severe Consequences of Violence at International Airports

Introduction

As travelers, we may not realize the severity of violence or life-threatening damage that can occur at international airports. However, federal law imposes severe penalties on those who commit such heinous acts. Title 18 U.S. Code § 37 specifically addresses violence at international airports and outlines the consequences for those who engage in such actions.

What is Title 18 U.S. Code § 37?

Title 18 U.S. Code § 37 is a federal law that states anyone who unlawfully and intentionally uses any “device, substance, or weapon” to perform an act of violence at an international airport can face up to 20 years in federal prison. If someone dies as a result of these actions, the perpetrator could even face life imprisonment.

Under the same federal law, destroying or seriously damaging airport facilities or disrupting airport services can also result in imprisonment and fines. The prohibited activity falls under the jurisdiction of the United States if the act occurs within or outside of the country and if the perpetrator is later found within the U.S. or is a national as defined in the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The Montreal Convention

Title 18 U.S. Code § 37 is the United States’ implementation of the Montreal Convention, which is also known as the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation. This multilateral treaty was created in response to the terrorist acts that occurred at airports in Rome and Vienna in 1985. The Montreal Convention has become the international standard for preventing and punishing violence at international airports worldwide. It applies only to civil aviation and not to military or law enforcement.

Understanding the Law

A person is guilty of a federal offense under Title 18 U.S. Code § 37 if they intentionally commit an act of violence that causes or could cause serious bodily injury or willfully destroy or cause serious damage to international airport facilities or an out-of-service civil aircraft. The violence must also endanger or likely to endanger safety at the airport.

It’s crucial to note that attempting or conspiring to commit this crime is treated as if the perpetrator succeeded. In other words, if someone attempts an act of violence at an international airport but is caught before carrying it out, they can still face the same penalties as if they had succeeded. It’s also important to mention that one could be charged and convicted of this crime even if it occurred outside of the United States.

18 U.S. Code § 37: The Consequences of Violence at International Airports

Severe Penalties for Acts of Violence

Are you thinking of committing violence or causing life-threatening damage at an international airport? Think again. Federal law has severe penalties in place for such actions. Title 18 U.S. Code § 37 covers the regulations and consequences for violent acts committed at international airports, and it’s not a law to be taken lightly.

Under this law, a person who unlawfully and intentionally performs an act of violence using any “device, substance, or weapon” at an international airport could face up to 20 years in federal prison. If someone dies due to the violence, the perpetrator could even face life imprisonment. Section 18 U.S.C. 37 says that anyone who destroys or seriously damages airport facilities, disrupts airport services, or endangers safety at an airport could be fined and imprisoned.

The Montreal Convention

Title 18 U.S.C. 37 is the United States’ implementation of the Montreal Convention, which was created to suppress unlawful acts against the safety of civil aviation. The treaty was created in response to terrorist acts that occurred at airports in Rome and Vienna in 1985. The treaty has been ratified by 176 nations, including the United States, and has become the standard international protocol for preventing and punishing violence at international airports worldwide. However, the Montreal Convention only applies to civil aviation and not to aviation associated with military or law enforcement.

What Does the Law Say?

A person is guilty of a federal offense under Title 18 U.S. Code 37 if they commit an act of violence against another person on the grounds of an international airport, which causes or could cause serious bodily injury or willfully and intentionally destroy or cause serious damage to international airport facilities or an out-of-service civil aircraft. The violence must also endanger or be likely to endanger safety at the airport. Attempting or conspiring to commit this crime is treated as if the person succeeded, and they will face the same penalties if convicted.

Extraterritorial Jurisdiction

The law was amended in 1996 to include extraterritorial jurisdiction, meaning a person can be convicted in the United States of committing violence at an international airport outside the U.S. if the perpetrator or one of the victims is a U.S. national and the perpetrator was discovered and apprehended on U.S. soil after the incident.

In conclusion, it’s essential to remember that violence at international airports is not only illegal, but it’s also dangerous and can have severe consequences. The penalties for violating Title 18 U.S. Code § 37 are harsh, and attempting or conspiring to commit this crime carries the same punishment as if the person succeeded. So, before you think about committing an act of violence at an international airport, remember that the law has its eyes on you, and it will not be lenient.