As the realm of space exploration witnesses dramatic shifts, a new publication at Stanford Law School is carving out a niche within the legal discipline. Initiated by two students, Samantha Potter and Cody Chenxi Wang, the venture marks the inception of a student-run space law journal aimed at exploring the intricacies of extraterrestrial legal challenges. Potter, a JD ’25 candidate, and Wang, a JD ’27 candidate, bonded over their shared interest in space law upon meeting at Stanford. The pair’s collaboration reflects a growing acknowledgment of the burgeoning legal implications resulting from increased space exploration activities by both governmental and private entities. Read more about the journal’s mission and evolving contributions to the field.
Amid the increasing commercialization and privatization of space, legal experts are calling for robust discussions and academic inquiry into topics ranging from property rights to international treaties such as the Outer Space Treaty of 1967. This journal aspires to contribute substantively to these discussions, potentially influencing future policy decisions. By offering a platform for legal scholarship and debate, Stanford’s initiative could serve as an academic beacon amidst the uncertainties of space regulation, providing insight and guidance as humankind ventures further into the cosmos.