law of the flag
Defined in 2 dictionaries — Case Law, Black's (1910)
Definitions from Case Law
United States Supreme Court
Perhaps the most venerable and universal rule of maritime law relevant to our problem is that which gives cardinal importance to the law of the flag. Each state under international law may determine for itself the conditions on which it will grant its nationality to a merchant ship, thereby accepting responsibility for it and acquiring authority over it. Nationality is evidenced to the world by the ship's papers and its flag.
Defined by the Supreme Court in - Lauritzen v. Larsen, 345 U.S. 571 (1953).
Black's Law Dictionary
Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
In maritime law. The law of that nation or country whose flag is flown by a particular vessel. A shipowner who sends his vessel into a foreign port gives notice by his flag to all who enter into contracts with the master that he intends the law of that flag to regulate such contracts, and that they must either submit to its operation or not contract with him. Ruhstrat v. People, 185 111. 133, 57 N. EL 41, 49 L. R. A. 181, 76 Am. St. Rep. 30.
Defined under Law in Black's Law Dictionary.