Chapter 10 (Law of the Sea) Notes of Public International Law
Chapter 10 Law of the Sea Concept of the Law of the Sea and its codification 1. Introduction to the Law of the Sea The Law of the Sea is a branch of public international law that regulates the rights and responsibilities of states concerning the world's oceans. It determines sovereignty, jurisdiction, and resource allocation in maritime areas. Oceans cover about 70% of Earth's surface , making them crucial for transportation, trade, and resources. The law of the sea governs how states use and protect these waters. The primary legal framework is the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS, 1982) , often called the "constitution of the oceans." 2. Evolution and Historical Development A. Early Doctrines Historically, there were two conflicting views on ocean governance: Mare Liberum ("Free Sea") – Proposed by Hugo Grotius (1609) , this idea argued that the sea s...