Concealed Carry vs. 18 U.S.C. § 231(a)(3) / Do You Know?

Jan 27th, 2026, 7:00 pm CST. Sp. Episode 1/27/2026. 18 U.S.C. § 231(a)(3) makes it a federal crime to willfully obstruct, impede, or interfere with law enforcement officers lawfully engaged in their duties during a civil disorder, punishable by up to 5 years in prison. Refusing a lawful, direct command from police during such events, such as orders to disperse, constitutes a violation. There is no significant United States Supreme Court case law that directly interprets, defines, or rules on the constitutionality of 18 U.S.C. § 231(a)(3).
18 U.S.C. § 231(a)(3) is the federal statute commonly referred to as the "Civil Disorder" statute. It specifically prohibits inciting, organizing, or helping organize a civil disorder that results in violence or property damage affecting interstate commerce.
While the Supreme Court has been asked to review cases involving this statute (most notably in the 1970s regarding the "Chicago Seven" and more recently regarding January 6th defendants), the Court has consistently denied certiorari (refused to hear the cases). Consequently, the definitive interpretations of § 231(a)(3) come from the U.S. Courts of Appeals (Circuit Courts).

The J20 Inauguration Day Cases (2017)
United States v. Alexei Wood et al. (2018)
United States v. Dylan Petrohilos et al.
January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol Attack
United States v. Stewart Rhodes (Oath Keepers)
United States v. Enrique Tarrio (Proud Boys)
United States v. John Earle Sullivan
United States v. Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, Zachary Rehl, and Dominic Pezzola:
The George Floyd Protests (2020)
United States v. Matthew Banta (2020)
United States v. Joshua Doolin (2020)
United States v. Uriel Perez (2020)
Historical Context: The Vietnam War Era (1970s)
United States v. Dellinger (The Chicago Seven Trial) - Indictment Phase:
United States v. Bird (1972)

Opening Music
Song: Situation Critical
Music by: CreatorMix.com
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Closing/Credits/references Music
Song: Falling Down
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