Jurisdiction and applicability of chapter

the United States; each of the States, including the political subdivisions thereof; and all territory subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. This chapter applies to any judicial or administrative proceeding commenced in any court or agency in any jurisdiction subject to this chapter. This chapter does not apply to criminal proceedings. When under this chapter any application is required to be made to a court in which no proceeding has already been commenced with respect to the matter, such application may be made to any court which would otherwise have jurisdiction over the matter. This chapter applies to— (Source: (Oct. 17, 1940, ch. 888, title I, § 102, as added Pub. L. 108–189, § 1, Dec. 19, 2003, 117 Stat. 2837.))