Under international law, are considered hostis humani generis —"enemies of all mankind." This means any nation has jurisdiction to capture and prosecute a pirate, regardless of where the crime occurred or the nationality of the pirate or victim.
Captains were elected by the crew and could be deposed for cowardice or cruelty. Pirates
While popular culture focuses on the 18th century, piracy has existed as long as maritime commerce. The Truth about Pirates | CNRS News Under international law