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The answer to this question is not as straightforward as it may seem. Article III, Section 2 of the Constitution granted original jurisdiction over maritime cases to the US Supreme Court or, by extension, to the federal courts.

The Judiciary Act of 1789, however, inserted the "Saving to Suitors" Clause that permitted concurrent jurisdictionbetween state and federal courts for cases, such as minor personal injury (specified later under the Jones Act, which provided the sole exception allowing a jury trial in maritime cases), cargo damage, or property claims, that could be resolved by common-law, and were not specific to general maritime law. Suits related to non-commercial recreational boats may also be heard in state courts.

Many cases in admiralty are in Rem (against the vessel, large movable property, or real estate), which fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal courts. Examples of this class of suit include:

  • Limitation of Shipowner's Liability
  • Vessel Arrests in Rem
  • Property Arrests Quasi en Rem
  • Salvage Cases
  • Petitory and Possession Actions
  • Longshoreman and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act suits

Under maritime law, in most cases the judge also acts as the "trier of fact," with jury trials prohibited except in cases heard under the Jones Act (aka Merchant Marine Act of 1920). These laws apply to all navigable waters of the US, including rivers, the Great Lakes, and coastal areas, as well as the high seas.


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Q: Which courts have jurisdiction over cases involving maritime law?
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Jurisdiction of the federal courts does NOT include cases involving?

divorce.


What are the 3 types of cases where the federal courts have jurisdiction over cases involving subject matter?

Federal courts have subject matter jurisdiction over all matters involving federal law.


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The Federal Courts system will only handle specific cases. They handle them if the United States is a party, cases involving violations of federal laws, bankruptcy, copyright issues, patent issues, and maritime law cases.


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The supreme court has original jurisdiction in cases?

involving two or more states