The purpose of this article is to analyze in light of the doctrine and international jurisprudencethecrimeofpiracy,�itsconstituentelements,�definitionsand� classificationsinordertoelucidatethereasonswhy,�today,�thisbehavioristhe� onlylikelytobeuniversallyrepressedviainternationalacceptedcustomsand� thus conclude whether or not it is feasible to extend universal jurisdiction to otherinternationalcrimesinwhichaStatecouldbeinvolved.