(a) Upon receiving the report of the prize master directed by section 8858 of this title, the United States attorney for the district shall promptly—(1) file a libel against the prize property;
(2) obtain a warrant from the court directing the marshal to take custody of the prize property; and
(3) proceed to obtain a condemnation of the property.
(b) In connection with the condemnation proceedings the United States attorney shall insure that the prize commissioners—(1) take proper preparatory evidence; and
(2) take depositions de bene esse of the prize crew and of other transient persons who know any facts bearing on condemnation.
Structure US Code
Subtitle C— Navy and Marine Corps
PART IV— GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
§ 8853. Court in which proceedings brought
§ 8854. Effect of failure to start proceedings
§ 8855. Appointment of prize commissioners and special prize commissioners
§ 8856. Duties of United States attorney
§ 8857. Duties of commanding officer of capturing vessel
§ 8858. Duties of prize master
§ 8859. Libel and proceedings by United States attorney
§ 8860. Duties of prize commissioners
§ 8861. Interrogation of witnesses by prize commissioners
§ 8863. Prize property appropriated for the use of the United States
§ 8864. Delivery of property on stipulation
§ 8867. Transfer of prize property to another district for sale
§ 8868. Disposition of prize money
§ 8870. Costs and expenses a charge on prize property
§ 8871. Payment of costs and expenses from prize fund
§ 8872. Recaptures: award of salvage, costs, and expenses
§ 8873. Allowance of expenses to marshals
§ 8874. Payment of witness fees
§ 8875. Commissions of auctioneers
§ 8876. Compensation of prize commissioners and special prize commissioners
§ 8877. Accounts of clerks of district courts
§ 8878. Interfering with delivery, custody, or sale of prize property
§ 8879. Powers of district court over prize property notwithstanding appeal