Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Sea lane refers to a specific path that ships follow when traveling in restricted waters like harbors and straits. It is a designated course that is regularly used for safety reasons. However, some sea captains used to resist the idea of sea lanes because they felt it threatened their freedom to navigate.
Definition: A sea lane is a designated course or regularly used route for ships, especially in restricted waters such as harbors and straits. It is an important concept in international and maritime law.
Example: The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial sea lane for oil tankers traveling from the Persian Gulf to the rest of the world. It is a narrow passage that connects the Gulf to the Arabian Sea, and is heavily monitored by naval forces due to its strategic importance.
Explanation: The example illustrates how a sea lane is a designated route for ships to follow in restricted waters. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage that is difficult to navigate, and therefore requires a designated sea lane to ensure the safe passage of ships. Without a sea lane, ships could collide with each other or run aground, causing serious damage and potentially harming the environment.