Territorial Waters
/ˌtɛrɪˈtɔːriəl ˈwɔːtərz/
Definitions
- (n.) The belt of coastal waters extending up to a specified limit (usually 12 nautical miles) from a state's baseline, within which the state exercises sovereignty, subject to certain international rights such as innocent passage.
The country enforced its laws strictly within its territorial waters.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Territorial waters are a fundamental concept in maritime law, representing the extent of a state's sovereignty at sea, but subject to limited exceptions like innocent passage by foreign vessels.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.