UOS researcher explores criminal liability for outer space

This dissertation aims to analyze and evaluate the adequacy of the existing legal frameworks in addressing issues of criminal liability in outer space, through a review of relevant international treaties, national laws, and practical case studies. The study focused on identifying the gaps and challenges related to jurisdiction, enforcement mechanisms, and accountability, in addition to assessing the impact of the increasing participation of the private sector in space activities. Through this analysis, the researcher seeks to highlight shortcomings and best practices within the current legal approach, and to propose recommendations for developing a coherent and effective legal system that ensures safety, justice, and sustainability in the management of space operations, while contributing to the construction of a legal structure capable of addressing crimes in outer space and enhancing international cooperation in this field.

The study concluded that existing international treaties and national laws are insufficient to confront space crimes, particularly with the rise of new risks such as cyberattacks, unlawful interference with satellites, and the illicit exploitation of space resources. The findings further revealed that the lack of clarity in defining outer space boundaries, jurisdiction, and enforcement mechanisms poses a direct threat to safety and security in space. Accordingly, the researcher recommended the establishment of a comprehensive international legal system for space crimes, including precise definitions of the boundaries of outer space, new international agreements, national legislative reforms, and the creation of specialized institutions such as an International Court for Space Crimes to ensure effective accountability and legal protection of space activities.

The examining committee from UoS’s College of Law included Prof. Wael Allam, Professor in the Department of Public Law, as Chair of the Committee; Dr. Abdelnaser Sayid Aljahani, Associate Professor, as Internal Examiner; and Prof. Mouaid Alqudah, Professor of Criminal Law at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), as External Examiner. At the conclusion of the defense, the committee approved the dissertation of the researcher and recommended granting her a Ph.D. of Philosophy in Public Law.