How does the Law of the Sea Tribunal adjudicate disputes?

The Law of the Sea Tribunal is an international court which is responsible for adjudicating disputes arising out of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This Convention, among other matters, governs the rights of coastal states to maritime zones, the exploitation of marine resources, and other maritime issues. The Tribunal is comprised of 21 members, elected by the United Nations General Assembly for staggered nine-year terms. The members must either be judges of international tribunals, legal experts, or university professors who specialize in international law. The Tribunal decides disputes between states on a case-by-case basis, and it has the authority to hear a variety of different types of maritime matters. Disputes may involve activities on the high seas, the continental shelf, or the exclusive economic zone. The Tribunal can also decide on matters related to the delimitation of maritime boundaries, scientific research in the marine environment, or the protection of the marine environment. The Tribunal considers cases using the adversarial system, and it typically holds hearings in The Hague. The Tribunal typically issues judgments only after hearing the parties’ legal arguments, evidence, and counter-arguments. The Tribunal may also request additional evidence, or issue orders to the parties to address certain matters, before making a final decision. Once the Tribunal issues its judgment, the parties are expected to comply with the rulings of the Tribunal.

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How does the Law of the Sea Tribunal adjudicate disputes?

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