Document: 350 U.S. 532 76 S.Ct. 617 100 L.Ed. 676 R. V. ARCHAWSKI et al., Petitioners,v.Basil HANIOTI, Etc. No. 351. Argued March 5, 1956. Decided April 9, Mr. Harry D. Graham, New York City, for petitioners. Israel Convisser, Washington, D.C., respondent. Justice DOUGLAS delivered the opinion of Court. 1 The sole question in case is whether cause action alleged comes within admiralty jurisdiction District Court held that this was an on a maritime contract, jurisdiction, 129 F.Supp. 410. Appeals reversed, holding suit nature old common law indebitatus assumpsit money had and received, based upon wrongful withholding money. 223 F.2d 406. here petition certiorari which we granted, 872, 120, because seeming conflict ruling with Krauss Bros. Lumber Co. v. Dimon S.S. Corp., 290 117, 1241, 54 105, 107, 78 216. 2 libel alleges respondent, doing business his own various trade names, owned controlled passenger vessel, known as City Athens, out vessel carrier passengers hire, petitioners paid moneys passage scheduled July 15, 1947, to Europe. A contract transportation jurisdiction.2 Moses Taylor, 4 Wall. 411, 18 397. allegations so far mentioned are plainly sufficient establish such contract. goes allege breach through abandonment voyage. If were all, it would be plain stated claim But further sums by 'wrongfully deliberately' applied respondent use benefit 'in reckless disregard obligations refund same' 'has secreted himself away manipulated assets * purpose defrauding' Then follow certain fraudulent acts transactions. 3 wrongfulness fraud do not alter essential character libel. For ancient teaching that, 'The rules pleading exceedingly simple free from technical requirements.' Dupont de Nemours & Vance, 19 How. 162, 171—172, 15 584. And see Benedict, American Admiralty (6th ed. 1940), §§ 223, 237. Though these particular sound or moneys, context obligation pay arose transport passengers. Lawyers speak terms assumpsit, concept whose tortuous development gave expression 'the ethical law.' See Ames, History Assumpsit, Harv.L.Rev. 1, 53, 58 (1888). As Holmes once put it, 'An generally enforced extent referred even though one existing only fiction Thomas Matthiessen, 232 221, 235, 34 312, 314, 577. sometimes distorted law. line authorities emerged effect no grant relief cases 'because implied promise repay cannot good conscience retained—necessary support received—is contract.'3 United Transportation Lighterage B.T. Line, Cir., 185 F. 386, 391. Yet duty often referable, here, Stone said supra, 124, 107: 5 '* Even under form received there could recovery without proof involved demanding payment, basis there, admiralty, violation some term affreightment, failure carry exaction freight did authorize.' 6 truth present neither actual nor second problem prevent unjust enrichment Morrison, Remedial Powers Admiralty, 43 Yale L.J. 27 (1933). court prevents being exploited way does reach beyond domain affairs. We conclude long asserted arises has over it. 7 philosophy is, indeed, wholly foreign admiralty. Analogous conceptions rights quasi-contract found One who saves property at sea right award salvage, regardless any agreement between him owner. Mason Ship Blaireau, Cranch 240, 266, 266; Sabine, 101 384, 390, 25 982; § 117 seq. Likewise, where cargo jettisoned, owner becomes entitled contribution general average owners other saved aid agreement. Barnard Adams, 10 270, 303—304, 13 417; Star Hope, 9 203, 228—230, 638; 98. Other examples given. Chandler, Quasi Contractual Relief Mich.L.Rev. 23 (1928). Rights recognizes serving ends justice indistinguishable ordinary quasi-contractual created enrichment. How quasi-contracts may unnecessary decide. It day hold reads like law, provided result Such here. 8 judgment reversed remanded proceedings conformity opinion. Reversed remanded. There also apparent Sword Inc., States, 228 344, 346, decided, after granted certiorari, different panel Second Circuit sat instant case. Jersey Steam Navigation Company Merchants' Bank, 392, 12 465, determining inquiry 'into subject-matter contract,—whether service service, performed sea, waters ebb flow tide. And, again, substantially tide-waters, although commenced terminated tide; if was, then always been maintained.' Moore McCormack Co., 295 919; Home Ins. Transp. 16 372; Silva Bankers Commercial 163 602.

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