What does Special Maritime and Territorial Jurisdiction (SMTJ) encompass?

Special Maritime and Territorial Jurisdiction (SMTJ) is a legal framework that grants the United States jurisdiction over certain crimes that occur in specific locations beyond the conventional boundaries of U.S. territory. This includes crimes committed on U.S. vessels or in certain areas adjacent to U.S. territory.

The correct answer regarding what SMTJ encompasses includes crimes like robbery or burglary that are committed on a U.S. ship. This is because U.S. vessels, regardless of their location, are considered territory of the United States, and American laws apply to crimes committed onboard. Therefore, any act of theft or other criminal activity taking place on such vessels falls under the jurisdiction designated by SMTJ.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the scope of SMTJ. Civilian crimes committed solely on land, crimes only in international waters, or government crimes outside the U.S. do not cover the specific context that SMTJ is meant to address, which is rooted in the unique legal status afforded to U.S. naval vessels and certain defined territories.