Territorial Waters Jurisdiction Act 1878

The Territorial Waters Jurisdiction Act 1878 (41 & 42 Vict. c. 73) is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It is still in force. It codifies the law relating to offences committed in the territorial waters of the United Kingdom, including crimes committed on foreign ships. Under section 7 of the Act, the applicable law is the law of England and Wales, even if the offence is committed off the coast of Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Territorial Waters Jurisdiction Act 1878

Act of Parliament
Long title	An Act to regulate the Law relating to the Trial of Offences committed on the Sea within a certain distance of the Coasts of Her Majesty's Dominions.
Citation	41 & 42 Vict. c. 73
Dates
Royal assent	16 August 1878
Status: Amended
Text of statute as originally enacted
Revised text of statute as amended

Section 3 of the Act requires the consent of the Secretary of State to prosecute someone under the Act if they are not a British subject.

See also

• Offences at Sea Act 1799
• Piracy Act 1837

References

• Paterson, William (ed). "Territorial Waters Jurisdiction Act, 1878". The Practical Statutes of the Session 1878. Law Times Office. London. 1878. Pages 341 to 346.
• Text of the Territorial Waters Jurisdiction Act 1878 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk.