This advanced, practice-focused seminar examines how the United States interprets, applies, and strategically navigates the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), despite not having formally ratified it. The course explores how U.S. policy, military operations, commercial interests, and environmental obligations interact with the UNCLOS framework governing maritime zones, navigation rights, and resource claims.
The course focuses on how lawyers advise U.S. government agencies, private companies, and international actors in real-world maritime scenarios—ranging from freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) to offshore energy development, fisheries enforcement, and maritime boundary disputes.
The seminar treats U.S. engagement with UNCLOS as a strategic legal balancing act, where customary international law, national interests, and geopolitical realities converge. Students will develop practical skills in advising clients on maritime rights, compliance risks, and dispute strategy.
This course assumes prior study of public international law or maritime law.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. Understand the structure of UNCLOS and its legal framework.
2. Analyze the U.S. position on UNCLOS ratification and application.
3. Evaluate U.S. interpretations of maritime zones and rights.
4. Assess legal issues in U.S. maritime enforcement and operations.
5. Understand U.S. approaches to navigation rights and security.
6. Analyze offshore resource and environmental regulation.
7. Evaluate U.S. involvement in maritime disputes.
8. Advise clients on U.S. maritime legal strategy.
9. Navigate conflicts between U.S. policy and international law.
10. Apply legal principles to real-world maritime scenarios.
