Legal Definitions - admiralty and maritime jurisdiction

Admiralty and maritime jurisdiction refers to the authority that U.S. district courts have over cases related to maritime law. This includes cases involving ships, boats, and other vessels, as well as maritime commerce and navigation.

For example, if a cargo ship is involved in a collision with another vessel, the case would fall under admiralty and maritime jurisdiction. Similarly, if a sailor is injured while working on a ship, their case would also be heard in a U.S. district court sitting in admiralty.

This jurisdiction is important because it allows for consistent and uniform application of maritime law across the country. It also ensures that cases involving maritime issues are heard by judges with expertise in this area of law.