United States v. Cortes and Others

Abstract

Sea — High seas — Jurisdiction — Search and seizure on the high seas — Stateless vessel — Right of approach — Right of Coast Guard to board to ascertain nationality — Vessel carrying prohibited drugs — Scope of authority under international law for search and seizure — Geneva Convention on the High Seas, 1958

Treaties — Interpretation — Geneva Convention on the High Seas, 1958 — Search and seizure of stateless vessel on the high seas — Rights of stateless vessels — Whether Convention affording protection to vessels without nationality — The law of the United States