Where can I find the full text of the U.S. Flag Code?

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 . "

Short summary of the US Flag Code:

For the full version in legalese click here for the United States Code Title 4- Chapter 1-The Flag

General Display

When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left. When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street.

No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea . . . for personnel of the Navy . . . when the church pennant may be flown above the flag.

No person shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at any place within the United States or any Territory or possession thereof; Provided, that nothing in this section shall make unlawful the continuance of the practice herefore followed of displaying the flag of the United Nations in a position of superior prominence or honor, and other national flags in positions of equal prominence or honor, with that of the flag of the United States at the headquarters of the United Nations.

When flags of states, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the United States, the latter should always be at the peak.

When the flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the flag of the United States should be hoisted first and lowered last. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the United States or to the United States flag's right.

The flag of the United States of America, when it is displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs, should be on the right, the flag's own right, and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.

The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of states or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs.

When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace.

Churches, Auditoriums

In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any state, territory or possession of the United States, the governor of that state, territory or possession of the United States, the governor of that state, territory or possession may proclaim that the National flag may be flown at half-staff.