From the earliest of time, the high seas were open to free and unrestricted use by all. The rule of customary law that was subsequently codified in 1982 was that the high seas were open to all States and no State could validly purport to subject any part of them to its sovereignty. From this doctrine, it follows therefore, that no State has the right to prevent or interfere with ships of another State from using the high seas for any lawful act. Exceptions are provided for under international law when States are at liberty to interfere with vessels of other States sailing on the high seas....
From the earliest of time, the high seas were open to free and unrestricted use by all. The rule of customary law that was subsequently codified in 19...
