Admiralty

A court having jurisdiction of all maritime causes, civil and criminal. The civil jurisdiction is twofold, embracing controversies arising out of maritime contracts, and the adjudication of maritime captures and seizures. In England the jurisdiction extends over the high seas and tide waters and those parts of the coast which are not within the body of any county. In the United States it extends also over all public lakes and rivers on which commerce is carried on between states, and is vested in the federal district courts.