Global discontent is threatening the security of Middle Earth. A war is brewing between the People's Republic of Rohan and the Nation of Mordor. The success of this war largely depends on the possession of one golden ring. In anticipation of a war with the People's Republic of Rohan, the Nation of Mordor adopted Mordor Law No. 222, authorizing the Mordor government to "nationalize all golden rings belonging to foreign citizens who will not swear allegiance to Sauron as their king." In accordance with this law, the Mordor Army seized a golden ring from Gollum, a citizen of Mordor. Gollum had previously stolen the ring from Frodo Baggins, a citizen of the United States of the Shire. The ring had been entrusted to Frodo's care by Aragorn, a citizen of Rohan.
After attempting diplomatic recovery of his ring, Aragorn brought an action for conversion in the Court of Rohan, against the present possessor of the ring, Sauron. Aragorn alleges that he is the direct descendent of the original owner of the ring, and that he is the rightful owner of the ring by reason of familial succession. Sauron contends that even if Aragorn can prove ownership of the ring by familial succession, the Court of Rowan is barred from granting any relief by reason of the Act of State Doctrine.
The Supreme Court of the People's Republic of Rohan considers the non-justiciability of acts of foreign states to be a principle of international law. However, it is against Rohan domestic policy and laws to nationalize property without affording adequate compensation. In accordance with these policies, the Republic of Rohan has a law prohibiting its courts from applying the act of state doctrine, if the challenged state act is in violation of well-established principles of international law.
Does the Act of State Doctrine apply? Why or why not?