Maritime Law Admiralty Jurisdiction and Courts 3

Question 1

Which case expanded admiralty jurisdiction to include recreational boating collisions, rejecting a strict commercial nexus requirement?

Accepted Answer

Foremost Insurance Co. v. Richardson

Answer

Foremost Insurance Co. v. Richardson (1982) held that a collision between two pleasure boats on navigable waters was within admiralty jurisdiction because it had a sufficient connection to traditional maritime activity.

Question 2

Under Supplemental Admiralty Rule B, what triggers the availability of maritime attachment?

Accepted Answer

The defendant cannot be found within the district

Answer

Supplemental Rule B allows attachment of a defendant's property within the district when the defendant cannot be found (i.e., served with process) there.

Question 3

The term 'proctors in admiralty' historically referred to whom?

Accepted Answer

Attorneys practicing in admiralty courts

Answer

Proctors in admiralty were the lawyers who practiced before admiralty courts, equivalent to solicitors in other courts.

Question 4

Which Supreme Court decision held that state punitive damages awards in maritime cases are governed by federal admiralty law, not state law?

Accepted Answer

Exxon Shipping Co. v. Baker

Answer

Exxon Shipping Co. v. Baker (2008) addressed the availability and ratio of punitive damages in maritime cases and confirmed federal admiralty law governs the issue.

Question 5

In admiralty, a 'libel' is the historical term for which modern pleading?

Accepted Answer

Complaint initiating an admiralty action

Answer

A 'libel' was the original admiralty term for the complaint or petition that initiated a lawsuit in an admiralty court.

Maritime Law Practice Test

Maritime Law Practice Test

Maritime Law Admiralty Jurisdiction and Courts 3