Brian a Risman

Interstellar Law Brian a Risman

Why the need for Interstellar Law?There is little doubt that mankind's quest for outer space exploration is growing by leaps and bounds. As generations pass, and space business expands, ideas and systems would likewise develop. Being far removed from the Earth would require localised courts. After all, business disputes - or indeed, criminal offences - would need to be dealt with on the scene, since resolution could not wait on a multi-year mission from Earth. Accordingly, the need for a nearby court system would result in a standardised Interstellar Law. Yes, it would take portions from old Earth law - Private International Law in particular - but it would not be same -- and indeed could not be the same. For example, would the International Law structure on Earth, based on individual nation's legal system, apply in the Interstellar environment? On one hand, the tendency of space travelers to have a 'pale blue dot' view of the earth with no borders visible would be influential. That would suggest there would be one legal system applying in the Interstellar. It would be unlikely, however, that the 'pale blue dot' would be the only reason for one legal system - rather, the high multi-national cost of space exploration and development would preclude multiple nation-based legal systems a couple of years of travel distant. Faced with the costs involved, it is far more likely that one legal system with localised courts, would form the basis of Interstellar Law.