The question (10 marks)
Explain the concept of the common heritage of mankind as applied to the resources of the international seabed area, and outline the parallel system of mining. (10 marks)
MU Module II, heads 2.5 and 2.6; chapter on the deep seabed.
Plan your answer on paper before you look at the authorities — issue first, then the rule, then apply it to these facts.
It tests Unit 2 · State Territory, Jurisdiction and the Law of the Sea of Public International Law.
Authorities you will need
- United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982, arts. 133, 136, 137, 140, 150, 153 and 156
- Continental Shelf (Tunisia / Libyan Arab Jamahiriya), ICJ Reports 1982, p. 17
How an answer is marked
A full-marks answer names the issue in one line, states the rule with its section, cites the authority, applies it to these facts and concludes — in that order. The app's model answer for this question is written in exactly that shape, with a checklist to mark your own attempt against.