District of Oregon Banner
U.S. Marshals Service >> Local District Offices >> District of Oregon >> Admiralty

Admiralty

 Maritime Vessel

General Information on Admiralty

 

General  
Admiralty law or maritime law is the distinct body of law (both substantive and procedural) governing navigation and shipping. Topics associated with this field in legal reference works may include: shipping; navigation; waters; commerce; seamen; towage; wharves, piers, and docks; insurance; maritime liens; canals; and recreation. Piracy (ship hijacking) is also an aspect of admiralty. 

The courts and Congress seek to create a uniform body of admiralty law both nationally and internationally in order to facilitate commerce. The federal courts derive their exclusive jurisdiction over this field from the Judiciary Act of 1789 and from Article III, ยง 2 of the U.S. Constitution. Congress regulates admiralty partially through the Commerce Clause. American admiralty law formerly applied only to American tidal waters. It now extends to any waters navigable within the United States for interstate or foreign commerce. In such waters admiralty jurisdiction includes maritime matters not involving interstate commerce, including recreational boating. 

Regulations are found in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.  The Supplemental Admiralty Rules take precedence over the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure in the event of conflict between the two.   Source: http://www.law.cornell.edu/topics/admiralty.html
Legal Documents
Motion and Order for Appointment of Substitute Custodian (Private Actions)
Notification Concerning Legal Liability Insurance
Verbiage Used in Substitute Custodian, Movement and Cargo orders to hold harmless
Consent Keeper Agreement
Affidavit of Substitute Custodian
Admiralty Action Check List
Agreement to Board Vessel
 | U.S. Marshal  | Courthouse Locations | District Contacts | Fugitive Investigations | Task Forces | Asset Forfeiture | Admiralty | Prisoner Services | Local Court Procedures | Local Links | History of the District |