right of search
- noun
- Formal
:
derecho de registro
- Many countries dispute the right of search in international waters.
Examples
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The admiral invoked the right of search to inspect merchant vessels passing through the blockade.
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During the 19th century, disputes over the right of search often led to diplomatic tensions between nations.
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Many neutral countries protested when their ships were intercepted under the right of search.
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The navy exercised its right of search during the conflict.
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During wartime, belligerent nations may exercise the right of search to inspect neutral vessels suspected of carrying contraband.
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The right of search allows a country to stop and examine ships on the high seas if they are believed to be aiding its enemies.
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Historically, the right of search was a contentious issue, as it raised questions about international maritime law and neutrality.
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is compositionally built from 'right' (an entitlement) + 'of' + 'search' (boarding/inspection), so a learner who knows the constituent words can infer it means an entitlement to carry out searches. While the full legal scope (wartime belligerent powers and neutral ships) is specialised, the core sense 'the right to search' is directly derivable from the parts.
Etymology
Right of search comes from wartime at sea, when a country's warship had the right to board and search a neutral merchant ship for weapons or goods that help the enemy. So, the phrase means the power to 'stop and inspect' ships on the high seas.
