Maritime Rule of Law: Some Preliminaries

Abstract Can there be rule of law at sea? In extending the traditionally terrene ideal seaward, are a range conceptual difficulties. These difficulties outlined, and recurring thought pattern is set out that found in traditions about as protecting members community from abuse power. Drawing on Jeremy Bentham’s scattered remarks maritime governance, three assumptions underlying this pattern, regarding territoriality, community, protective function, identified requiring modification context. Achievement sea possible, but reflects number limitations compared to its counterpart, related these traditional assumptions.