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18 USC § 151 - Definition

---
identifier: "/us/usc/t18/s151"
source: "usc"
legal_status: "official_legal_evidence"
title: "18 USC § 151 - Definition"
title_number: 18
title_name: "CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE"
section_number: "151"
section_name: "Definition"
chapter_number: 9
chapter_name: "BANKRUPTCY"
part_number: "I"
part_name: "CRIMES"
positive_law: true
currency: "119-84"
last_updated: "2026-04-21"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
source_credit: "(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 689; Pub. L. 95–598, title III, § 314(b)(1), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2676; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, § 330008(5), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2143.)"
---

# § 151. Definition

As used in this chapter, the term “debtor” means a debtor concerning whom a petition has been filed under title 11.

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**Source Credit**: (June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 689; Pub. L. 95–598, title III, § 314(b)(1), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2676; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, § 330008(5), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2143.)

### Historical and Revision Notes

Based on , U.S.C., 1940 ed., Bankruptcy ( as added , ).

Definition of “bankruptcy” was added to avoid repetitious references to said title 11.

Minor changes in phraseology was made.

## Editorial Notes

### Amendments

1994— substituted “means” for “mean”.

1978— substituted “Definition” for “Definitions” in section catchline, substituted definition of “debtor” as a debtor concerning whom a petition has been filed under title 11 for definition of “bankrupt” as a debtor by or against whom a petition has been filed under title 11, and struck out definition of “bankruptcy” as including any proceeding, arrangement, or plan pursuant to title 11.

## Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Amendment by  effective , see , set out as an Effective Date note preceding , Bankruptcy.

### Savings Provision

Amendment by  not to affect the application of chapter 9 (§ 151 et seq.), chapter 96 (§ 1961 et seq.), or section 2516, 3057, or 3284 of this title to any act of any person (1) committed before , or (2) committed after , in connection with a case commenced before such date, see , set out as a note preceding , Bankruptcy.