FREEDOM OF THE SEAS

freedom of the seas.Int’l law. The principle that the seas beyond territorial waters are not

subject to any country’s control. • Ships on the high seas are subject only to the jurisdiction of the

country whose flag they fly, except in cases of piracy, hijacking, hot pursuit from territorial waters,

slave trading, and certain rights of approach by warships. — Also termed mare liberum. [Cases:

International Law 7. C.J.S. International Law §§ 23–24.][Blacks Law 8th]