THE DOCTRINE OF "HOT PURSUIT"--A NEW APPLICATION

Authors

Abstract

A recent decision of the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina involves a point apparently unique in the records of international law. The Vinces, a schooner of British registry, laden with a cargo of intoxicating liquors not under seal, was discovered by the United States Coast Guard cutter Mascoutin seven and one-half miles off the coast and within one hour's sailing distance from the United States headed in the direction of land. On being hailed by the Mascoutin, the Vinces turned about and headed for the high seas. The cutter followed in continuous chase and overtook the Vinces twelve and three-quarters or thirteen miles from land. The vessel was brought into Charleston harbor and libel proceedings begun. It was argued in defense that the seizure, being made outside the twelve-mile limit and outside the one hour's sailing distance, was an unlawful exercise of jurisdiction on the high seas. It was held, that the vessel having been apprehended within the twelve-mile and one hour's sailing distances the doctrine of "hot pursuit" applied and the arrest and seizure on the high seas after continuous chase was a lawful seizure.

Recommended Citation

THE DOCTRINE OF "HOT PURSUIT"--A NEW APPLICATION, 26 Mich. L. Rev. 551 (1928).
Available at: https://repository.law.umich.edu/mlr/vol26/iss5/6