International & Operational Law (Code 10)
Mission
The U.S. Navy’s international and operational law practice reflects the wide range of activities in which our modern, global naval service is engaged. The International and Operational Law Division provides legal services in such diverse areas as law of the sea; law of war; international agreements and negotiations; maritime interception operations; foreign criminal jurisdiction; and international maritime environmental law issues affecting U.S. Navy and Department of Defense interests.
Function
International Agreements
International Agreements provides assistance during negotiations, implementation, and review of international agreements originated by the Department of the Navy; provides advice on the interpretation of international agreements; coordinates implementation of Case Act reporting requirements for Navy agreements; serves as the repository for Navy international agreements; advises on status of forces agreement matters; and prepares Department of Defense (DoD) required reports on foreign criminal jurisdiction cases.
Law of Armed Conflict
The Law of Armed Conflict provides advice on all law of armed conflict matters; assists in the development of OPLANS, CONPLANS and Rules of Engagement (ROE); serves as a member of the DoD Law of War Working Group; and assists in the development of U.S. policy on the law of armed conflict.
Law of the Sea
The Law of the Sea provides advice across the spectrum of law of the sea issues to assist policy makers throughout the Department of the Navy, JCS and DoD; interacts with other agencies including State, Commerce, Justice and Interior; advises on international environmental matters; represents DoD at the International Maritime Organization; supports the DoD Representative for Ocean Policy Affairs; and maintains the DoD Maritime Claims Reference Manual.
References
- Maritime Claims Reference Manual
- Commander’s Handbook on the Law of Naval Operations
- International and Operational Law Community of Practice on Navy Knowledge Online (NKO)
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