US Revives 19th-Century Prize Courts to Seize Iranian Oil Tankers

The U.S. government is preparing to revive a centuries-old legal system known as prize courts to more efficiently seize Iranian oil tankers and cargo captured under its naval blockade, a move officials say is necessary for national security but that legal experts warn could face significant challenges. The Justice Department, in coordination with the Pentagon, is working to reactivate this maritime law framework, which has not been used since the Spanish-American War in 1898, to adjudicate the disposition of vessels and goods seized during the ongoing conflict with Iran.

The effort was confirmed by U.S. Attorney Aaron Reitz of the Southern District of Texas, whose office is spearheading the initiative. "Our national security interests may require the United States military to seize vessels or cargo supporting the enemy during military conflict," Reitz stated. "If that happens, our federal courts must be ready to adjudicate the disposition of these captured vessels and cargo." He described prize law as an ancient body of maritime law already codified in statute but which the department is now reviving.

The practical appeal for the administration is to streamline the process of...