IN THE WAKE OF FIRST CRIME IN SPACE

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CRIME IN SPACE: THE CASE OF ANNE McCLAIN AND THE GROWING NEED FOR SPACE LAW

As per the details outlined in the previous article, Anne McClain is reported to be the first person alleged to have committed a crime in outer space. This case demonstrates that the reach of law is as vast as space itself—in fact, wherever humans go, law is bound to follow.

The alleged offense committed by Anne McClain may seem minor compared to terrestrial crimes like murder or terrorism. However, it has undoubtedly opened the door to critical discussions on the scope and applicability of space law. With various space missions planned by both nation-states and private companies, the likelihood of space-related criminal activity is expected to rise.

Facts of the Case

  • Summer Worden initially filed a complaint with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

  • Worden alleged that Anne McClain accessed her personal bank account using NASA resources aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

  • McClain acknowledged accessing the account but denied any unlawful intent.

  • She claimed her access was part of managing joint finances.

  • McClain expressed concern over the welfare of Worden’s child, whom she had previously attempted to adopt in 2018.

  • McClain also alleged that Worden had an "explosive temper" and had been making "poor financial decisions," according to The New York Times.

  • McClain later accused Worden of assault, which contributed to their separation and eventual divorce.

As of now, no party has been proven guilty; the investigation remains unresolved.

Space Law and Jurisdiction

The framework for space law in such matters originates from the Intergovernmental Agreement on Space Station Cooperation (IGA), which governs the International Space Station (ISS). This agreement grants each partner country criminal jurisdiction over its own personnel aboard the ISS.

In the current case, since both McClain and Worden are U.S. citizens, the United States retains full jurisdiction to investigate and adjudicate the matter under its domestic legal system.

The Future of Legal Governance in Space

This incident is a clear indication that as human activity in outer space increases, so too will the need for more comprehensive international legislation. The current treaties may not be sufficient to deal with the complexities of crimes committed in space, especially as private commercial ventures such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, and others plan long-term human presence beyond Earth.


Curiosity

What if citizens of two different countries commit a crime aboard a commercial space vessel in outer space?

If you're losing sleep over this cosmic legal conundrum and want answers—feel free to ask. 


If your curiosity is also not letting you sleep and you  want me to answer any of your question. Kindly comment
And do share this link with your colleagues, if they are also curioushttps://shataxiamicuslex.blogspot.com/2019/09/in-wake-of-first-crime-in-space.html

Comments

  1. SamSaturday, September 7, 2019 at 8:26:00 AM GMT+5:30

    Nice

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ranjana MishraSaturday, September 7, 2019 at 5:58:00 PM GMT+5:30

    Useful artical ..
    Thanks for sharing with us

    ReplyDelete
  3. PrabhavSunday, September 8, 2019 at 12:34:00 PM GMT+5:30

    Great

    ReplyDelete
  4. RituMonday, September 16, 2019 at 1:35:00 PM GMT+5:30

    Don't you think there should be a clear legislation regarding prohibiting the malice jurisdiction of all state of whole world to enhane their future in science and space and there should be no ambiguity in this matter and clear restrictions on the matter of comiting any crime in space

    ReplyDelete

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