### Question
How does CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION define State?


### Answer
Under *42 U.S.C. § 1997*, **State** is defined as:

> any of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any of the territories and possessions of the United States

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 1997*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 20A-CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION > SUBCHAPTER I&ndash;A-INSTITUTIONALIZED PERSONS**

