The US Flag Code: A Voluntary Guide

A short summary of the US flag code follows below. For the full version in legalese click here for the United States Code Title 4- Chapter 1-The Flag The Flag Code is voluntary, it includes no penalties or enforcement provisions Keep in mind that "The Flag Code" so often cited is a series of recommendations designed for the use of individuals or organizations that may not be required to conform with regulations from departments of the US Government. For example, each military branch has its own code of flag etiquette that may have additional requirements or cover aspects not anticipated the The US Flag Code. The latter code is a guide for civilians who wish to properly honor our beloved flag. It carries no penalties or enforcement procedures. As such, I have always seen it described not as a law, but as a guide for behavior. It does not attempt to anticipate every possible flag display situation. Rather, it provides a guide against which situations not contained within it may be measured. Keep in mind that PUBLIC LAW 94 - 344 states The Flag Code " is hereby, established for the use of such civilians or civilian groups or organizations as may not be required to conform with regulations promulgated by one or more executive departments of the Government of the United States." In a report titled " The United States Flag:Federal Law Relating to Display and Associated Questions " published by the Library of Congress Congressional Research Service, John R. Luckey, Legislative Attorney, American Law Division, writes: "Thus, the Flag Code does not prescribe any penalties for non-compliance nor does it include enforcement provisions; rather the Code functions simply as a guide to be voluntarily followed by civilians and civilian groups.' Later in the same report, the writer states: "The Flag Code is a codification of customs and rules established for the use of certain civilians and civilian groups. No penalty or punishment is specified in the Flag Code for display of the flag of the United States in a manner other than as suggested. Cases which have construed the former 36 U.S.C. § 17521 have concluded that the Flag Code does not proscribe conduct, but is merely declaratory and advisory . "