ABSTRACT

Polar law describes the normative frameworks that govern the relationships between humans, States, Peoples, institutions, land and resources in the Arctic and the Antarctic. These two regions are superficially similar in terms of natural environmental conditions but the overarching frameworks that apply are fundamentally different. The Routledge Handbook of Polar Law explores the legal orders in the Arctic and Antarctic in a comparative perspective, identifying similarities as well as differences. It points to a distinct discipline of "Polar law" as the body of rules governing actors, spaces and institutions at the Poles. Four main features define the collection: the Arctic-Antarctic interface; the interaction between global, regional and domestic legal regimes; the rights of Indigenous Peoples; and the increasing importance of private law. While these broad themes have been addressed to varying extents elsewhere, the editors believe that this Handbook brings them together to create a comprehensive (if never exhaustive) account of what constitutes Polar law today. Leading scholars in public international and private law as well as experts in related fields come together to offer unique insights into polar law as a burgeoning discipline.

part I|307 pages

International Legal Order in the Polar Regions

section Section A|157 pages

Legal Regimes Governing the Polar Regions

chapter 3|14 pages

Territorial Claims to Antarctica

part II|206 pages

Regional Issue of International Institutions and Actors

section Section B|73 pages

Rights of Indigenous Peoples

section Section C|70 pages

Special Issues

part III|165 pages

Private Governance in the Polar Legal System

section |99 pages

Natural Resources