What is the difference between Maritime Law and Admiralty Law?

Maritime law and Admiralty law both refer to laws that govern activities at sea. However, there are some important differences between the two. Maritime law refers to all of the laws that apply to the sea and activities conducted on it, such as shipping, fishing, and trade. These rules are created by international and domestic governments, international organizations, and private entities. Maritime law covers a wide range of topics, from criminal laws that punish pirates to laws that regulate shipping routes and fishing practices. Admiralty law is a sub-category of maritime law that specifically applies to disputes between individuals and companies that involve vessels and activities conducted on the sea. It is the legal system that adjudicates civil disputes between parties related to activities on the sea, including maritime contracts, marine insurance, shipping regulations, and cargo damage claims. Admiralty law also covers the jurisdiction and legal rights of ships in territorial waters. In Virginia, Admiralty law is governed by the federal court system, and not the state court system. This means that if an individual or business in Virginia wishes to file a claim under Admiralty law, it must be done in a federal court.

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