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U.S. Code as of:
01/19/04
Section 392. Complaint and answer; jury trial
At the summary trial of offenses against the laws for the
protection of persons or property engaged in commerce or
navigation, it shall not be necessary that the accused shall have
been previously indicted, but a statement of complaint, verified by
oath in writing, shall be presented to the court, setting out the
offense in such manner as clearly to apprise the accused of the
character of the offense complained of, and to enable him to answer
the complaint. The complaint or statement shall be read to the
accused, who may plead to or answer the same, or make a
counterstatement. The trial shall thereupon be proceeded with in a
summary manner, and the case shall be decided by the court, unless,
at the time for pleading or answering, the accused shall demand a
jury, in which case the trial shall be upon the complaint and plea
of not guilty.
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