History
The Legal Framework for Universal Jurisdiction over Piracy
Quick fact
Piracy is so heinous that under international law, any state's warship may arrest pirates on the high seas and prosecute them in its own courts, regardless of the pirates' nationality or the location of the attack. This authority, known as universal jurisdiction, is the oldest and clearest example of a crime against all nations.
Why this is interesting
A ship sailing the Indian Ocean is seized by the Indian Navy. The pirates are Somali nationals, the ship was flying a Liberian flag, and the attack happened miles from any coast. Which country has the right to put them on trial? The answer surprises many: nearly any country can.