### Question
How does the law define State?


### Answer
Under *42 U.S.C. § 10402*, **State** is defined as:

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

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 10402*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 110-FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND SERVICES**

