What are the primary sources of Admiralty Law?

Admiralty law is the legal system that is broadly applicable in Oklahoma for laws governing issues or disputes related to maritime activities and water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. The primary sources of Admiralty Law are statutory law, international conventions, custom, and judicial precedent. Statutory laws in Admiralty Law are often derived from federal legislation. State level laws have little bearing on marine related laws, with the exception of a few areas that are addressed at the state level. In Oklahoma, the primary source of Admiralty Law is the US Code. The US Code is a compilation of all federal laws and provides the basis for legislation regulating navigation and commerce on the waterways of the state. International conventions are a second source of Admiralty Law. These conventions provide a framework for the law of the sea, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This convention is a comprehensive agreement that establishes new limits on the extent of coastal waters and the exclusive economic zone. Custom is the third source of Admiralty Law. Custom is a body of unwritten and often informal laws and practices that have been developed over time through the behavior of maritime nations. In Oklahoma, custom has been a major source of the law governing the navigation and use of rivers, lakes, and other water bodies. Finally, judicial precedent is a fourth source of Admiralty Law. This source of Admiralty Law is based on earlier court decisions in cases related to maritime activities, including oil pollution, shipping and maritime commerce. When a court renders a decision in a case, the decision sets a legal precedent for use in future cases. In Oklahoma, judicial precedent is a major source of Admiralty Law.

What are the primary sources of Admiralty Law?

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