33 U.S.C. § 384 — Condemnation of piratical vessels

This section covers vessels used for piracy that get captured and brought into a U.S. port, or captured within a U.S. port. It applies to a vessel that was built, bought, or fitted out (in whole or in part) for the purpose of committing piratical aggression, search, restraint, depredation, or seizure, or any other act of piracy under the law of nations. It also applies to a vessel that was held for that purpose, and to a vessel from which such a piratical act was first attempted or actually carried out. If such a vessel is captured and brought into a U.S. port, or is captured while already in a U.S. port, the law requires it to be condemned — legally forfeited — for the use of the government and the captors. This happens after a proper legal process and trial in a court that has admiralty jurisdiction and covers the district the captured vessel is brought into. That same court must then order the vessel sold, and order the proceeds distributed, at the court's discretion.