Crime, Criminal Justice & Ethics in Outer Space: International Perspectives

Many academic and practical disciplines have been engaging with outer space issues for decades. For instance, there are now well established disciplines within the natural sciences, like astronomy, astrophysics, astro-biology and robotics (to name a few). The arts and social sciences have also researched, debated and theorized about outer space, and disciplines have emerged within astrosociology, space art, space law and space anthropology (again, to name a few). However, criminologists, criminal justice scholars and ethics have not responded to space industry developments in quite the same way as other sectors. Perhaps this is due to the nascent stage of physical space habitation. Perhaps it is a result of jurisdictional unknowns and complications about what is considered criminal, and what is not. Either way, contemporary space expansionism is increasing the likelihood of human behavioural conflict and deviancy off-Earth. As such, one of the main rationale’s for this book is to advocate for interdisciplinary discussion as anthropogenic interactions with outer space are rising, instead of waiting for deviant and unwanted human behaviours to occur before discussing them from a criminological, criminal justice and ethical point of view. What would happen, for instance, if there is a human death in space? What if there are arguments, or physical and mental abuse between space-goers? It is, surely, more beneficial to debate, discuss and theorise such problems, and consider their solutions, prior to such behaviour occurring. After all, a precautionary and holistic approach to the study of criminality will save money, prevent victimisation, and ensure human and political relations in outer space are respectful and productive, rather than remaining unknown and unplanned. This book is the very first edited collection of chapters dedicated solely to these ideas - about how to prepare for, address and respond to, instances of criminal and harmful behaviour in (and related to) outer space. It also considers what criminal justice might look like in outer space, and how the important arena of ethics might help play a pivotal role in helping overcome problems related to crime and crime control. The book has 24 chapters from 26 authors in 13 different countries spanning six continents, giving a truly international dimension to the first anthology relating to the intersection of space criminology, space criminal justice and space ethics. It is this international dimension that is quintessential to the development of a holistic understanding of crime, criminal justice and ethics in outer space, mirroring the need to work collaboratively and internationally on space projects across all disciplines (whether in the natural sciences, social sciences or arts). Consequently, this book represents one ‘small step’ in the development of a space criminology, which we hope will result in a ‘giant leap’ towards future research in these areas in the future.