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U.S. Code > Title 48 Territories and Insular Possessions > CHAPTER 18—MICRONESIA, MARSHALL ISLANDS, AND PALAU (§§ 1901—1973) > SUBCHAPTER II—PALAU (§§ 1931—1962) > Part A—Approval of Compact and Supplemental Provisions (§§ 1931—1934) > § 1934. Jurisdiction

U.S. Code

§ 1934. Jurisdiction

(a) Maritime and territorial jurisdiction
With respect to section 321 of the Compact of Free Association and its related agreements, the jurisdictional provisions set forth in subsection (b) of this section shall apply only to the citizens and nationals of the United States and aliens lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence who are in Palau.
(b) Defense sites
The defense sites of the United States established in Palau in accordance with the Compact of Free Association and its related agreements are within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States as set forth in section 7, title 18.
(c) Offenses
(1) Any person referred to in subsection (a) of this section who within or upon such defense sites is guilty of any act or omission which, although not made punishable by any enactment of Congress, would be punishable if committed or omitted within the jurisdiction of the territory of Guam by the laws thereof, in force at the time of such act or omission, shall be guilty of a like offense and subject to a like punishment.
(2) The District Court of Guam shall have jurisdiction to try all criminal offenses against the United States, including the laws of Guam made applicable to the defense sites in Palau by virtue of subsection (c)(1) of this section, committed by any person referred to in subsection (a) of this section.
(3) The District Court of Guam may appoint one or more magistrate judges for the defense sites in Palau. Such Magistrate Judges shall have the power and the status of Magistrate Judges appointed pursuant to chapter 43, title 28: Provided however, That such Magistrate Judges shall have the power to try persons accused of, and sentence persons convicted of, petty offenses, as defined in section 1 (3),[1] title 18, including violations of regulations for the maintenance of peace, order, and health issued by the Commanding Officer on such defense sites, without being subject to the restrictions provided for in section 3401 (b), title 18.

[1] See References in Text note below.
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