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This article summarizes the legal developments during 2011 that affect archaeological heritage. Among the more significant developments were advances in and challenges to the use of international law in deterring the trade in undocumented antiquities and questions of whether artifacts on loan to U.S. institutions from Iran could be used to satisfy judgments against Iran awarded to victims of terrorist bombings. Finally, the article presents a preliminary assessment of the impact of the "Arab Spring" conflicts on cultural heritage preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the cultural resource management (CRM) legislation in the U.S. that was implemented for the management of cultural resources and heritage in the country. It explores the changes in the manner by which the CRM is implemented when professional archaeologists have been integrated into the business sector as private consultants. It also presents some examples of problems encountered after a CRM contract is in effect, and examines archaeologists' authority limitations. The author believes that in order for professional archaeological consultants to professionally represent their clients, they must enable clients to comply with the recommendations of the regulatory agency.

The author comments on the article "Professional Problem Domains of Consulting Archaeologists: Responsibility Without Authority," by Harry M. Piper. He advances some of the issues and problems raised by Piper related to cultural resource management (CRM) legislation in the U.S., wherein archaeologists act as consultant, and addresses problems centering on client-archaeologist relationship. The author believes that the foundation of CRM lies in the regulations that specify responsibilities.

The article presents a letter from the founder and archaeological director of the Institute of Nautical Archaeology which was written in support of federal legislation that passed the U.S. House, but died in the Senate. The legislation affects archaeologists, sport divers and treasure-hunters. The author directed the first complete excavation of a shipwreck on the seabed, and developed many of the mapping techniques which have made underwater archaeology a scientific pursuit. The article highlights issues relating to nautical archaeology.

An introduction is presented to the article “2011 Cultural Hertiage Legal Summary" by Patty Gerstenblith, which appears elsewhere in the issue and which discusses legal issues affecting archaeology in 2011, including the importation and exportation of cultural property.

The author reflects on the challenges faced by archaeologists in the U.S. in their integration into the market. He notes that while some survive the pressures in archaeological consultancy, many failed to continue their business. He also remarks on the introduction of the so called "three-party relationship,"wherein the federal or state agency is required by law to oversee the archaeological resources, the archaeologists, and the client who plans to pursue certain modification project.