Reading Room Document

Denial of Entry to United States Ports to the M V Greenpeace

This OLC opinion considered the legal authority under which the United States could prevent a ship, the M/V Greenpeace, from entering United States waters and ports. The OLC concluded that the constitution, a federal statute, and an existing presidential executive order individually provided authority to reject the M/V Greenpeace’s entry into United States ports, but cautioned that action under the executive order alone was more susceptible to legal challenge.

April 24, 1990