Legal Definitions - right of visit and search

The right of visit and search is a term used in international law. It refers to the right of a country to stop, visit, and examine ships on the high seas to determine if they are carrying goods that could be captured. This right is especially important during times of war, when a belligerent state may stop any neutral merchant vessel on the high seas and search it to see if it is carrying goods that could be used by the enemy.

For example, during World War II, the United States Navy had the right of visit and search. They would stop and search any ship that they suspected of carrying goods that could be used by the enemy. This helped to prevent the enemy from getting supplies and weapons that could be used against the United States.

It is important to note that the right of visit and search does not give a country the right to destroy a ship without a full examination. The country must have a reasonable suspicion that the ship is carrying goods that could be used by the enemy before they can take any action.