What does the term "high seas" mean when it's said in the 10th clause of article 1 of the Constitution ?

Question

Does it mean international waters or just any crime thats committed in the ocean? can someone clarify this for me ?

Heres the passage:
“To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offenses against the Law of Nations”"

Answer 1

This is a great question. It originally meant "outside of the territiorial waters of the United States (currently, 200 miles off the coast);" but over the years, on the basis of this clause, Congress has expanded this idea to claim extra-territorial jurisdiction over Americans anywhere on earth. For example, a few years back, Congress passed legislation making it a felony for Americans to have sexual intercourse with minors; even if that encounter happens in another country (like Thailand) where sex with minors is legal.

Federal authorities have actually arrested people for this, gotten convictions, and had those convictions upheld in court.

So, the original meaning of "high seas" was anything outside of territorial water, and now it means "anywhere on earth the Congress says it means."

Super question.

Answer 2

The term "high seas" means all parts of the sea that are not included in the territorial sea or in the internal waters of a State.

You check out more from:
http://www.oceanlaw.net/texts/genevahs.htm

Answer 3

"High seas" has been commonly used in international law as a synonym for international waters, falling outside the sole jurisdiction of one nation.

Answer 4

I think in that case it is refering to any navigable waterway.

Answer 5

ships comin in...oceans