The scenario presented for this needed legal framework is pretty bleak and hopefully overhyped:
For instance, if an American astronaut were to be murdered by a British astronaut on the moon, it is generally believed that U.S. courts could handle the case. But if the same astronaut should happen to have his pocket picked by another astronaut, it is unclear whether the victim would have legal recourse. The rationale is that there isn’t any precedent to assert U.S. jurisdiction in a minor crime.Presumably the bigger issues will relate to mining contracts and related ownership of minerals.
One person interviewed for the piece states “It’s not science fiction anymore,” and then the article goes no to discuss the use of Star Trek clips in legal classes. So which is it?
I think it is worthwhile to start ironing out treaties similar to that already signed for lunar ownership and mining. Whether or not we can do that in the current environment with a growing space race and significant differences between the larger nations is something else. And in the meantime we need to stay wary of pick-pocketing.
