### Question
How is the "State" defined?


### Answer
The term **State** is defined in *34 U.S.C. § 12291* as follows -

> each of the several States and the District of Columbia, and except as otherwise provided, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands

#### Citation:
  - *34 U.S.C. § 12291*
  - Heading: **Subtitle I-Comprehensive Acts > CHAPTER 121-VIOLENT CRIME CONTROL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT > SUBCHAPTER III-VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN**

