What are the jurisdictional differences between Admiralty Law and other areas of law?

Admiralty Law governs all activity that takes place in maritime areas, also known as Admiralty and Maritime Law. It is distinct from other areas of law in that it is a separate body of law that is based on both local and federal statutes and court precedents. Admiralty Law applies to legal issues related to shipping, navigation, contracts, and maritime crimes. Within Pennsylvania, Admiralty Law is subject to the jurisdiction of the United States District Court. The court has jurisdiction over cases where there is a dispute over a contract regarding a ship or navigation upon a ship, these are known as “in rem actions”. The court also has jurisdiction over cases between people, known as “in personam actions”, which are related to maritime aspects and involve contracts, torts, and crimes. Admiralty Law differs from other areas of law in Pennsylvania, as it applies to activities that involve interstate and international commerce, and the specific laws that govern maritime activities. Admiralty Law is also unique in that it provides for a right of salvage, which grants a person who recovers or rescues goods or vessels that are lost at sea a reward for their efforts. Admiralty Law and other areas of law also differ in terms of the forums in which disputes arising from maritime activities must be litigated. In Pennsylvania, admiralty disputes must be litigated before either the U.S. District Court or the local admiralty judge. By contrast, other types of disputes may be litigated in a variety of other courts, including the Common Pleas, Supreme, and Appellate Courts.

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