DOJ reviving dormant prize law to try to claim Iranian oil tankers
Summary
The U.S. Justice Department is trying to use an old maritime law called prize law to quickly claim Iranian oil tankers seized at sea. This law, rarely used since the Spanish-American War, could help the government take control of these ships and their cargo more easily than current legal methods.Key Facts
- The Justice Department wants to revive prize law, a centuries-old law about seized ships and cargo.
- Prize law was last commonly used during the Spanish-American War in the late 1800s.
- The law allows courts to decide if seized ships carrying enemy goods can become U.S. property.
- Prize law cases are handled by U.S. district courts when military forces capture ships.
- To win a prize case, the U.S. must prove the ship is carrying illegal goods, enemy soldiers, fake papers, or breaking rules like blockades.
- If successful, the government can sell the captured cargo and send funds to the U.S. Treasury.
- Similar old laws were used recently by the Trump administration for deportations and sanctions enforcement.
- Experts warn that using this old law could face legal and practical challenges, like moving seized ships to certain courts.
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