Public International Law: Title to Territory

The process of new land formations being legally added to existing ones by water. This includes events like a river diverting from its previous course, soil being deposited along a coastline, or the gradual addition to the bank of a river.

The sudden loss of land due to the force of water. It's like a powerful river carving out a new channel, leaving a chunk of land behind.

The process of gaining territory through military force or occupation. It's no longer considered legal under international law.

The transfer of territory by the owning state to another state by mutual agreement. This can be done through treaties or other contracts.

A legal dispute between France and Mexico over the sovereignty of Clipperton Island. This case established the rules of international law when it comes to claiming territory.

Any part of the Earth's surface subject to a state's sovereign rights and interests.

The exercise of sovereignty over a defined area to the exclusion of other states.

It's fundamental to a state's existence. A state needs territory to exercise its rights and responsibilities.

The oldest way a state can gain control of land - initially, just 'discovering' the land was enough.

A principle that allows a state to claim ownership of nearby unclaimed land, ensuring the integrity and security of its established territory.

One state taking over another's territory through continuous occupation over time.

A dispute between the Netherlands and the United States over an island, showing how historical claims based on discovery could clash with later territorial rights.

Spain's claim to the island was based on its discovery by Spain. The US later gained claim to the island through the Treaty of Paris.

The act of gaining territory through the use of military force, now illegal under international law.

The right of a state to exercise its power over a specific area of land, sea, or air, excluding any other state's authority.

A state's right to control and govern its own territory to the exclusion of others, including its airspace, territorial waters, and land.

The oldest method of gaining title to territory, typically involving the first discovery of an unclaimed land by a state.

A principle allowing a state to claim sovereignty over unclaimed land adjacent to its existing territory, based on the need for its security and integrity.

The method of gaining title to territory by occupying and controlling it for an extended period, often challenging the original owner's claim.

The case where the US and Netherlands disputed ownership of the Island of Palmas, demonstrating that discovery alone may not be enough to establish a strong claim to territory.

The treaty that transferred Spanish colonial territories, including the Philippines, to the United States, impacting the Island of Palmas case.