What are the differences between maritime law and federal maritime law?

Maritime law and federal maritime law are two distinct branches of law that share similarities but also have some important differences. Maritime law is a broad term that covers the law of the sea, which includes matters such as contracts, navigation, ownership, commerce, and other issues related to the federal government. Maritime law is typically administered by state courts and is based on state and federal statutes. Federal maritime law applies primarily to the United States and its territories. It governs international trade, including matters related to maritime commerce and navigation. It also covers issues such as collision, cargo liability, and salvage. The primary difference between maritime law and federal maritime law is the scope of their jurisdiction. Maritime law is limited to the territorial boundaries of the state that it governs, while federal maritime law has a much broader reach, stretching across the entire United States. This means that federal maritime law applies to matters involving foreign ships and international waterways, while maritime law does not. Additionally, federal maritime law follows a federal court system while maritime law follows a state court system. This means that matters involving federal maritime law will be heard in the federal court system, while matters involving maritime law will be heard in a state court. Finally, federal maritime law is highly specialized and complex. Its application requires an understanding of federal statutes and regulations, which is beyond the scope of many attorneys not specifically educated in this field.

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