Legal Definitions - freedom of the seas

Definition: Freedom of the seas is a principle in international law that states that the oceans beyond a country's territorial waters are not under the control of any country. This means that ships on the high seas are only subject to the laws of the country whose flag they fly, except in certain situations.

Examples:

• Piracy: If a ship is attacked by pirates on the high seas, any country can take action to stop the attack and bring the pirates to justice.
• Hijacking: If a ship is hijacked on the high seas, any country can take action to stop the hijacking and bring the hijackers to justice.
• Hot pursuit from territorial waters: If a ship is being pursued by law enforcement from a country's territorial waters, the pursuit can continue onto the high seas.
• Slave trading: Any country can take action to stop the trafficking of slaves on the high seas.
• Rights of approach by warships: Warships have the right to approach and inspect any ship on the high seas to ensure that it is not engaged in illegal activities.

These examples illustrate how the principle of freedom of the seas works in practice. While ships on the high seas are generally not subject to the laws of any country, there are certain situations where countries can take action to protect their citizens and prevent illegal activities.