Myths and Misconceptions in Extraterritorial Torts
University of Toronto Law Journal (forthcoming)
Faculty of Laws University College London Law Research Paper No. 06/2024
36 Pages Posted: 28 Feb 2024
Date Written: February 28, 2024
Abstract
States’ ability to impose liability for extraterritorial torts is often structured to avoid an illegitimate assertion of authority by one state over another. However, the resulting liability regimes are inconsistent and difficult to justify. In this paper, I argue that limitations of liability in this context have been based on misconceptions about abuse of power. I employ instrumental and rights-based approaches to states’ authority to demarcate a coherent framework for states’ liability for extraterritorial torts. I show that courts can impose liability on their own state and officials for extraterritorial torts as authority is not exerted over a foreign state. Liability can also be imposed on foreign states for their extraterritorial torts through consent, a sufficient jurisdictional connection to the tort, or the establishment of universal jurisdiction by a breach of jus cogens norms. Lastly, I assert that punitive damages are generally an illegitimate form of exerting authority.
Keywords: Extraterritorial Torts, State Liability, Foreign Sovereign Immunity, Compensatory and Punitive Damages, Legal Theory
JEL Classification: K13, K33
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation