Prize Courts

Prize Courts are legal bodies that adjudicate disputes arising from the capture of ships and cargo during wartime. When a state captures a vessel, claiming it as a prize, the Prize Court determines the legality of the capture, assessing whether the seizure was justified under international law. These courts ensure that captured property is dealt with fairly, protecting the rights of neutral parties and legitimate owners. They play a crucial role in upholding the principles of maritime law and ensuring that wartime actions do not violate established legal norms.