S.S. Lotus Case

This lecture explains the landmark public international law decision in the SS Lotus Case (France v Turkey, 1927) decided by the Permanent Court of International Justice. Learn the factual background of the high-seas collision, the issues of criminal jurisdiction, and the reasoning behind the famous Lotus principle. The video also covers the concepts of concurrent jurisdiction and how the ruling was subsequently modified by UNCLOS. In this video you will learn: • Understand the factual matrix of the collision between SS Lotus and SS Boz-Kourt • Learn Turkey's and France's arguments concerning jurisdiction on the high seas • Examine the Permanent Court of International Justice ruling delivered in 1927 • Master the Lotus principle: states are free to act unless explicitly prohibited • Distinguish between exclusive flag state jurisdiction and concurrent jurisdiction • Analyze how the 1958 Geneva Convention and UNCLOS curtailed the Lotus ruling Topics covered: • Introduction to the SS Lotus case • High seas collision between SS Lotus and SS Boz-Kourt • Turkish detention and manslaughter trial of Lieutenant Demons • French diplomatic protest and argument of flag state jurisdiction • Questions referred to the Permanent Court of International Justice • PCIJ ruling on territorial effects and jurisdiction • The Lotus principle: freedom of states absent prohibitive rules • Positive, negative, and concurrent jurisdiction principles • Clash between flag state and territorial jurisdiction • Subsequent curtailment of the Lotus principle by the 1958 Geneva Convention and UNCLOS Important case laws: • France v Turkey (1927) Useful for: LL.B. (3-year and 5-year integrated), UGC NET Law, CLAT PG and University semester exams. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the SS Lotus Case 02:09 Facts of the Collision and Detention 05:01 Legal Issues Before the PCIJ 06:08 PCIJ Decision and Effects Doctrine 07:13 The Lotus Principle Explained 08:41 Positive, Negative and Concurrent Jurisdiction 11:19 Curtailment by 1958 Convention and UNCLOS Notes and study material: https://www.thelaweasy.com #PublicInternationalLaw #SSLotusCase #LawOfTheSea #UGCNETLaw #LawEasy