Recent developments in U.S. case law have strengthened the power of
private individuals to sue foreign sovereigns in U.S. courts over claims
for artwork and cultural heritage property. Traditionally, however, the
U.S. government granted a large amount of deference to foreign sovereigns
regarding ownership rights in such property. Principles such as grace and
comity with other nations, respect for cultural heritage property
ownership, and increasing public access to art are reflected in U.S.
legislation. For example, the adoption of the Convention on Cultural
Property Implementation Act (CPIA), the Archaeological Resources
Protection Act (ARPA), and the Native American Graves Protection and
Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) all demonstrate a strong position held by the
United States to recognize and protect ownership rights in cultural
heritage property.