United States Government Glossary of Interagency and Associated Terms/act of piracy

by Federal Government of the United States

act of piracy - any act of aggression, search, restraint, depredation, or seizure attempted against a vessel of the United States by an individual not authorized by the United States, a foreign government, or an international organization recognized by the United States to enforce law on the high seas.

(SOURCE - DOT/ Maritime, US Code 46, §8107)