Is there any law in space?

[Fantic SuperT]

If a passenger on the Virgin Galactic spaceship murdered another passenger while they were in space, could they walk free or is there any law that would make that illegal?

[thewave]

Expensive murder

[Neil_H]

Pretty sure it would be classified as US airspace and no different to doing it on a plane.

[marctwo]

On a plane, doesn't the point of origin dictate the law that applies whilst in the air? If this was the case then I assume that the same would be true on Virgin Galactic. However, if they were on their way back from the Moon it might be a different matter...

[randomman]

The laws of origin would apply, much like if you killed someone over international waters

[Fort Jefferson]

Neil_H said:

Pretty sure it would be classified as US airspace and no different to doing it on a plane.

How the fk is anywhere in space, US air space? How come over a certain altitude it all belongs to the US?

[Goochie]

Also, how can some companies claim to be able to sell you an acre of the moon? Surely it doesnt belong to anyone and therefore you cant sell it ?

[nigelw]

must have happened with the earth at some time , cos people seem to own chunks of it .... weird though

[Neil_H]

Fort Jefferson said:

Neil_H said:

Pretty sure it would be classified as US airspace and no different to doing it on a plane.

How the fk is anywhere in space, US air space? How come over a certain altitude it all belongs to the US?

I'm sure there's a limit, but since the plane stays over the USA, it would be reasonable to call it US airspace. It's not like the thing goes into orbit.

[Eric Mc]

They would have precious little time to execute the foul deed. The Virgin spaceplane is only actuall "in" space for about 5 minutes.

I would say that any crime comitted on a spacecraft woul;d be covered by similar laws that cover crimes on ships and aircraft in international waters.

Edited by Eric Mc on Friday 1st August 15:42

[Swilly]

Fort Jefferson said:

Neil_H said:

Pretty sure it would be classified as US airspace and no different to doing it on a plane.

How the fk is anywhere in space, US air space? How come over a certain altitude it all belongs to the US?

Because they have lots of big guns !!

[ypauly]

Fantic SuperT said:

If a passenger on the Virgin Galactic spaceship murdered another passenger while they were in space, could they walk free or is there any law that would make that illegal?

goverment probably insn't bothered by laws in space








until somebody tries to park there, then traffic wardens gettin new uniforms

[Rod Rammage]

Sure.

Haven't you heard of "Space Law"?

The Supreme Court is in the Galactic Courts of Justice Building on Coruscant.


And I should know, as I am a top inter-galactic lawyer.

Hey, has anyone got that Princess Amadala's number? She wrote it on the back of my hand in a bar in Mos Eisley on Saturday, but then...

...something about a bantha... um, fell on me.

Something like that.

[NDA]

Same species killing?

[[AJ]]

Goochie said:

Also, how can some companies claim to be able to sell you an acre of the moon? Surely it doesnt belong to anyone and therefore you cant sell it ?

They can't. It's all a load of old tosh! Some American pillock sent a letter to the US Attorney General laying claim to the solar system. Needless to say they didn't reply to the muppet. He therefore thinks he owns it!

[Edit] Apparently a few people have attempted the same scam.

Edited by [AJ] on Friday 1st August 16:02

[bleesh]

nigelw said:

must have happened with the earth at some time , cos people seem to own chunks of it .... weird though

Apparently the Queen owns most of England - including "your" garden etc
and she is kind enough to let you use it

Steve

[Balmoral Green]

Look up Glen Reynolds, Space Law.

[Jasandjules]

bleesh said:

Apparently the Queen owns most of England - including "your" garden etc
and she is kind enough to let you use it

Steve

That is correct. She owns everything. Which is why they can force you to sell your house if they want to build a road etc. Be interesting to see if anyone takes that to the ECHR though.

Law in space? Not yet, save for Sigourney Weaver must wear a tight fitting T-shirt when in space...

[MonkeyHanger]

[AJ] said:

Some American pillock sent a letter to the US Attorney General laying claim to the solar system. Needless to say they didn't reply to the muppet. He therefore thinks he owns it!

You'd think the Attorney General would have the courtesy to reply to George W, wouldn't you ?