Crimes on Board Ships at Sea

Crimes committed on board a ship, particularly whilst at sea, pose a more dynamic legal scenario than the same crime committed on land. A ship is subject to the laws of its flag state, but the flag state may be unwilling or unable to respond promptly or to prosecute such crimes. Other states might investigate the crime and prosecute the accused, but the right to do so must be defensible under international law and within the explicit legislative reach of that state. This seminar considers when a non-flag state may claim jurisdiction to prosecute criminal acts committed at sea