The Jones Act: Debating the Lingering Effects of a 100-Year-Old Law

Authors

James W. Coleman, Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of LawFollow
George Landrith, Frontiers of FreedomFollow

Abstract

Passed into law in 1920, the Jones Act is a ban on transport between two U.S. ports, unless it's on a U.S.-built, U.S.-manned, U.S. flagged, and U.S.-owned ship. The Jones Act was designed to protect the United States' shipbuilding industry and to ensure that U.S. waters and ports are safe and secure. Some argue, however, that in the context of the modern shipping economy, the Jones Act does little to protect national security and, instead, raises prices on U.S. consumers and businesses.

In this Fourth Branch video, James Coleman (Dedman School of Law) and George Landrith (Frontiers of Freedom Institute) discuss the Jones Act's history, debate its impact on American society today, and explore whether the Jones Act should be updated for today's economic and national security needs.

Document Type

Other

Recommended Citation

Cite to original at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=hk1mi-iCu0s