hot pursuit

law

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

"Hot pursuit" refers to a close, continuous chase of a suspected lawbreaker or hostile military force. This pursuit can even cross territorial lines. The phrase "in hot pursuit" means to be chasing someone and close to catching them. Merriam-Webster first recorded the term "hot pursuit" in 1743.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

international law
High seas and seabed
…is a right of “hot pursuit,” provided that the pursuit itself is continuous, onto the high seas from the territorial sea or economic zone of the pursuing state in order to detain a vessel suspected of violating the laws of the coastal state in question.
Read More
…is a right of “hot pursuit,” provided that the pursuit itself is continuous, onto the high seas from the territorial sea or economic zone of the pursuing state in order to detain a vessel suspected of violating the laws of the coastal state in question.
Read More