Legal Issues on Self-Defense and Maritime Zones in Naval Operations

Abstract: During the 20th century the use of the maritime operational zone device has been more and more frequent. At the same time the rights of free navigation on the high seas has been acknowledged as a customary right. Moreover the rights of self-defense and the technological development have changed not only the way wars are justified, but also the way they are conducted. There have been a number of incidents and military operations were these conflicting principles have been put against each other. This essay will try to further shed light on the way maritime operational zones are used and warranted by international law. Furthermore a short description on how naval assets are used in modern warfare and the legal framework governing the naval jus in bello are included. A number of cases of state practice have been examined and are accounted for in the third chapter.