Confronting the "International Pariahs" of the Oceans. The United States´ Drug Enforcement on the High Seas and Evolving Legal Views on the Phenomenon of Stateless Vessels.

Abstract

This thesis discusses the jurisdictional issues arising from stateless vessels sailing on the High Seas, analyzing these from the perspective of international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The thesis then looks at the law and practice of the United States when it comes to asserting jurisdiction over stateless vessels found to be trafficking drugs on the High Seas, and asks whether U.S. developments in this field are indicative of a wider change in how jurisdiction of stateless vessels and their crews is asserted.