LSTD401  - Maritime Law

Maritime/Admiralty Law is that body of laws which governs events and transactions which occur upon navigable waters, including oceans, gulf and inland waterways. More specifically, it addresses matters including marine navigation and commerce, shipping, maritime workers, and the transportation of passengers and goods by sea. Maritime/Admiralty law has been distinguished from the Law of the Sea, which is a body of public international law addressing navigational rights, natural resource rights, jurisdiction over coastal waters and international law governing relationships between nations. This course contains a broad review of both Maritime/Admiralty Law and the Law of the Sea, including those international and domestic laws applicable in a maritime setting which govern relationships between individuals and the state (public law) as well as individuals and/or groups (private law). Specifically, this course will survey the fundamental principles of maritime law with a broad review of civil and criminal law enforcement issues in a maritime context. Students will study various aspects of maritime jurisdiction and substantive law addressing such topics as the law of the sea, maritime law enforcement, maritime tort law, maritime commercial law, maritime liens, salvage, rights and obligations of port authorities and pilots, sovereign immunity, international maritime conventions, and piracy. After completing this course the student will be able to: A. Analyze numerous substantive legal issues related to maritime law. B. Recount various international conventions relating to maritime safety and pollution. C. Differentiate between proper jurisdictional venues for assorted maritime actions. D. Identify legal issues and limitations related to a ship owner’s liability and cargo claims. E. Examine various forms of compensation available to seamen, other maritime workers and passengers.