Law Commons^™

Recent Decision, Duane A. Wilson

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has taken the instant opportunity to write an essay on the law of search and seizure on the high seas. Applying Ramsey, the majority found authority for the Coast Guard action, either under section 89(a) or through the consent of the Panamanian Government. Although both conclusions are open to dispute, the major question arises from the court's analysis of the constitutionality of the Coast Guard action. While a firm resolution of the confusion engendered by previous conflicting Fifth Circuit decisions is certainly desirable, the instant court's resolution fails to provide necessary analytical clarity. Judge …