In maritime law, what does universal jurisdiction mean in piracy cases on the high seas?

• A. Only the flag state may prosecute pirates.
• B. Any state may seize and prosecute pirates regardless of nationality or flag.
• C. Piracy cases must be referred to an international court.
• D. Pirates cannot be prosecuted on the high seas.

Answer: (B)

Universal jurisdiction in piracy means piracy is a crime of concern to all states, so any state may seize and prosecute pirates on the high seas regardless of the pirates’ nationality or the flag of the attacked vessel. This reflects the idea that piracy threatens international navigation and the safety of all shipping, not just one nation’s interests. A state that captures pirates can prosecute them in its own courts or extradite them to another state willing to prosecute, and there is no mandatory international court requirement. This is why the option stating that any state may seize and prosecute pirates regardless of nationality or flag is the correct interpretation.