jurisdiction extraterritorial-jurisdiction
Breaking Laws in Different Jurisdictions
<p>I am a citizen of the United States of America. As such, it is illegal for me to--to take an extreme example--murder. However, say I am going on vacation to a little nation where it is not illegal to murder--if you decapitate someone for stealing your oranges, the only thing that you'll have to worry about is the cleanliness of your machete. </p>

<p>So I am in this country when another adult cuts me in line for the roller coaster. Naturally taking this personally and as an insult, I take out my machete and swing at my adversary; after realizing that I missed the cutter altogether, I pull out my revolver and shoot my opponent, and he dies. </p>

<p>I have just murdered a man; however, because murder is not illegal in this country, I have done nothing (from the law's perspective) wrong. </p>

<p>Upon returning to the US, of which I am a citizen, can I be tried for murder even though I did not do it in the US's jurisdiction?</p>

<p>Does this apply to all actions that are unlawful in one jurisdiction but not another?</p>

<p>Thanks a lot in advance for any responses. All are greatly appreciated!</p>

<p>What you're asking about is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraterritorial_jurisdiction">extraterritorial jurisdiction</a>, and it will depend on the country and crime(s) involved.</p>

<p>As an example, under Australian law, it is a crime to engage in sexual activities with minors barring specific exemptions, which are not relevant to this example.</p>

<p>There are countries where the age of majority is less than that in Australia. If you were to travel to this country, you are not necessarily committing a crime there.</p>

<p>However, <a href="http://www.afp.gov.au/policing/child-protection-operations/child-sexual-exploitation-in-travel-and-tourism">Australia's sex tourism laws</a> make it a crime to do this anywhere in the world. This is enacted (I believe) under the foreign affairs power of the Commonwealth Government.</p>

<p>It will largely depend on the legal system of your country, as to whether laws have extraterritorial effect. <em>In general</em>, however, laws do not have extraterritorial effect unless explicitly stated.</p>
