How is maritime jurisdiction determined under Admiralty Law?

Maritime jurisdiction is determined under Admiralty Law in order to decide which court, state or federal, has the authority to hear cases involving a dispute on the navigable waters of the United States or related to interstate or international commerce. Typically, these cases involve maritime contracts, collisions between vessels, unseaworthiness, or personal injury. In Nebraska, the federal court would have jurisdiction if the case involves commerce and navigation in the United States or between the United States and foreign countries, but if the case involves only intrastate commerce or involves only a local transaction, then the state court in Nebraska would have jurisdiction. The United States Supreme Court has established longstanding tests for determining maritime jurisdiction. The two tests are known as the "location test" and the "transaction test." Under the location test, if the incident occurred on navigable waters or if damage arose from a navigation risk (e.g. a storm), then the federal court would have jurisdiction. Under the transaction test, if the dispute arises out of a contract involving maritime trade, transport, or navigation then the federal court would have jurisdiction. Admiralty jurisdiction also involves the power of a court to make rulings that affect vessels involved in a dispute. A court may make rulings related to restraining the vessel, selling the vessel, and seizing the vessel in order to satisfy a debt or judgment. In Nebraska, any state or federal court with jurisdiction of the case may make these rulings.

How is maritime jurisdiction determined under Admiralty Law?

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