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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.


What kind of cases are under the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts?

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What US courts controlled by the maritime law?

US admiralty courts, also known as federal maritime courts, have jurisdiction over cases involving maritime law, including disputes related to ships, seamen, cargo, and marine insurance. These courts are found in key coastal cities such as New York, New Orleans, and San Francisco.


Which court had original jurisdiction in cases involving foreign dignitaries?

Both the US Supreme Court and the US District Courts share original jurisdiction over cases involving foreign diplomats; however, Congress has decided to allow the US District Courts to exercise original jurisdiction in this area. The Supreme Court may choose to hear these cases, but does not.


What kind of jurisdiction do district courts have?

United States District Courts have original jurisdiction over cases involving federal crimes, civil suits under federal law, civil suits between citizens of different states, admiralty and maritime cases, bankruptcy cases, actions of certain federal administrative agencies, and other matters that may be assigned to them by Congress.


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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.


What is the court of original jurisdiction in the federal system?

US District Courts have original jurisdiction in most cases of general jurisdiction; however the US Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in a limited class of cases, such as those involving disputes between the states.


Trial courts that handle cases involving major crimes and large amounts of money are called courts of?

Those courts are called courts of General Jurisdiction.


Can federal courts hear any cases they want?

No.No. Only cases involving federal laws and federal jurisdiction.


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The supreme court has original jurisdiction in cases?

involving two or more states