Document: 457 U.S. 668 102 S.Ct. 2654 73 L.Ed.2d 300 FOREMOST INSURANCE COMPANY et al., Petitioners,v.Pansy F. RICHARDSON al. No. 80-2134. Argued Jan. 12, 1982. Decided June 23, Rehearing Denied Oct. 4, See 459 899, 103 198. Syllabus An action to recover for the death of an occupant a pleasure boat resulting from collision with another on river in Louisiana was instituted Federal District Court asserted basis admiralty jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1333(1). The court dismissed complaint, holding that there must be some relationship traditional maritime activity injury sustained navigable water fall within federal jurisdiction, and commercial (not present here) is necessary satisfy this relationship. Appeals reversed. Held: In light need uniform rules governing navigation, potential impact commerce when two vessels collide waters, uncertainty confusion would necessarily accompany jurisdictional test tied use given boat, complaint alleging between vessels—including boats—on waters properly states claim courts. Executive Jet Aviation, Inc. v. City Cleveland, 409 249, 93 493, 34 454, claims arising airplane accidents, although occurring locality, are cognizable only wrong bears significant also applies determinations outside context aviation torts. However, no requirement exclusively one. interest protecting can fully vindicated if all operators waters—not just individuals actually engaged activity—are subject conduct. This interpretation consistent congressional as legislation "vessels" without regard whether they engage activity. Pp. 672-677. 641 F.2d 314, affirmed. Arthur H. Andrews, Baton Rouge, La., petitioners. Dorsey C. Martin, III, respondents. Justice MARSHALL delivered opinion Court. 1 issue presented case boats falls 1333. We granted certiorari resolve lower courts respecting 454 (1972), determining jurisdiction. 813, 88, 70 81 (1981). United States Fifth Circuit held accident sufficient affirm. 2 * Two collided Amite River Louisiana, Clyde Richardson. wife children decedent brought Middle alleging, inter alia, petitioner Shirley Eliser had negligently operated vessel occupied by decedent.1 Respondents named Foremost Insurance Co., Eliser's insurer, defendant. Jurisdiction claimed 1333(1), which gives district exclusive over "[a]ny civil or jurisdiction." Petitioners moved dismiss, arguing did not state cause 3 ruling petitioners' motion, found following facts undisputed:2 4 "(1) One used boating, such riding skiing, at time pulling skier zip sled; 5 "(2) other fishing described bass boat; 6 "(3) Neither ever been any 'commercial activity' before accident; 7 "(4) At neither involved sort; 8 "(5) drivers were being paid operate nor way part their regular type employment; 9 "(6) None passengers either kind 'traditional 10 "(7) hire form; 11 "(8) There evidence indicate activity', even broadest sense, previously question, fact have classified 'purely craft', 'involved commerce', and, 12 "(9) instrumentality minor 'admiralty' 'commerce', i.e. buoy, barge, oil drilling apparatus, etc." 470 F.Supp. 699, 700 (1979). 13 After reviewing decisions Circuit, well relevant commentary, relationship, motion dismiss lack subject-matter because these involve 14 314 agreed Jet, supra, establish "admiralty requires more than occurrence tort additionally activity." F.2d, 315. It disagreed Court, however, application principle undisputed case. Relying "Rules Road" govern finding case, "two boats, regardless intended use, purpose, size, activity, them occurs waters." Id., 316.3 II 15 Prior our little question one filed here stated Indeed, begins its observing that, rule "[i]f occurred U.S., 253, S.Ct., 497 (citing Thomas Lane, 23 F.Cas. 957, 960 (No. 13,902) (CC Me.1813) (Story, J., Circuit). Plymouth, Wall. 20, 36, 18 L.Ed. 125 (1866) ("Every species tort, however occurring, board not, upon high seas cognizance"). Under rule, out clearly When precise situation past, has it unnecessary discuss court's invoked, instead assuming propriety merely waters. Levinson Deupree, 345 648, 651, 914, 916, 97 1319 (1953). Just Chambers, 312 383, 61 687, 85 903 (1941) (injury guest carbon monoxide poisoning cabin boat). Cf. Coryell Phipps, 317 406, 63 291, 87 363 (1943). decisions, we address narrow disapproved earlier sub silentio. suit property damage jet aircraft struck flock sea gulls takeoff sank Lake Erie reaching conclusion, observed mechanical locality sole widely criticized commentators, Congress compelled make exceptions approach interests justice order include certain torts locality. determined accidents 268, 504. Given realities modern-day air travel, "in absence contrary, flights land-based points continental States." 274, 507. 16 express carefully limited particular thorough discussion theoretical practical problems inherent broadly applying prompted several commentators construe See, e.g., Kelly Smith, 485 520 (CA5 1973); Calamari, Wake Jet—A Major Wave Minor Ripple, Maritime Law. 52 believe fair construction. Although addressed unique associated extending torts, much Court's rationale rejecting strict context. relied extensively but locality.4 17 recognize, Appeals, connection agree "the one." 316. Because "wrong" involves negligent operation nexus sustain persuaded argument substantial shipping heart sought protected giving suits. premised faulty assumption absent conduct liability disappears, "federalism" concerns dictate litigated 19 primary focus unquestionably protection commerce, petitioners take too view protected. cannot adequately served restricted those failure recognize breadth ignores effect noncommercial commerce. For example, mouth St. Lawrence Seaway, actively, previously, Furthermore, law traditionally concerned alleged caused virtue "navigational rules—rules manner direction may rightly move 270, 505. disruptive coupled concern holds navigation,5 compels conclusion 20 Yet, proffered petitioners, status "pleasure" opposed "commercial" control existence Application leads inconsistent findings denials similar fatal Jet. fortuitous circumstances was, been, rented, fishing, federal-court owner both business might radically different depending his ultimately controversy sufficiently "commercial." decline inject line-drawing into transportation. Moreover, smooth flow promoted same duties liabilities. Adopting frustrate goal promoting obligations navigators traversing flowing through State differ "depending location territorial another." 21 Finally, area. First, defines term "vessel," purpose scope various transportation laws, types waterborne vessels, (" 'vessel' includes every description watercraft artificial contrivance used, capable means water"). Second, Road," designed preventing collisions see, 94 Stat. 3415, 33 2001 seq. (1976 ed., Supp.IV), apply nature.6 Third, extended injuries land ships directed "[t]he shall extend cases . water. ." Extension Admiralty Act, 62 496, 46 740.7 22 hold Therefore, judgment Affirmed. 24 POWELL, whom THE CHIEF JUSTICE, REHNQUIST, O'CONNOR join, dissenting. 25 No trend stronger—for decades more—than toward expanding expense state-court Of course, steadily expansively exercise Commerce Clause preemptive power displace local authority. Often enactments national interest. effect, nevertheless, erosion federalism—a basic Constitution Union. 26 Today's decision, example trend, further On face, inexplicable. admiralty, rather law, should small boats. "One eighteen foot powered 185 h.p. Johnson outboard motor skiing purposes accident. sixteen-foot 'bass boat' fishing." (MD La.1979). "exclusively pleasure"; "commercial activity"; none persons aboard activity; hire. Ibid. conceded place where seldom, ever, 316 1981). 27 activity" waterway immaterial. While recognizing authority applied now affirms decision "all [federal] conduct," conferring accidents. Ante, 675 (emphasis deleted). my justifies edge absurdity. I dissent. established does today misconstrues emphasized "consistent history require bear 504 added). acknowledged literal sense similarities posed plane downed faced sinking ship." 269, But, recalling evolved many centuries," ibid., noted "concerned [matters as] liens, general average,1 captures prizes, limitation liability, cargo damage, salvage." "It clear, therefore, goes down negligence 'occurs' while flying enough create justify invocation 270-271, 505 29 Jet's recognition id., 505, provides appropriate understanding case's "traditional test. specialized area since ancient inception, seafaring activity.2 As Professor Stolz demonstrated, "[t]here doubt historically matters commerce." Stolz, Pleasure Boating Admiralty: Sea, 51 Calif.L.Rev. 661, 667 (1963). "The valid criterion relation matter—whether tortious contractual nature—to 7A J. Moore & A. Pelaez, Practice, ¶ .325[5], p. 3606 (2d ed. 1982) original).3 30 craft. is, historic centuries past—long modern existed—rivers oceans waterways primarily naval purposes.4 "Pleasure boating basically new phenomenon, product technology produce modest cost economy puts craft almost everyone."5 661. Thus, "traditional" concerned. hard put identify arguably kind. comment briefly reasoning. 31 justification millions6 countless rivers, streams, inlets country "uniform conduct." 675. agree, standard codes traffic waterways, crucial prevail neighborhood streets interstate highways. But reason provided traffic, done traffic. 154 (55 m.p.h. speed limit). Yet suggests needed prevent chaos automobile qualified try cases. 32 duty bound Testa Katt, 330 386, 67 810, 91 967 (1947). suggest competency And stands ready, necessary, review ensure important issues resolved correctly. Judge Thornberry said dissent desire certainty alone purely 317. Consequently premise fails support cover typically effort rescue logic, refers "potential reasoning countered —a acknowledges key impact" activity," then crash Erie," 250, 495, precisely contrary. essence resurrects rejected, "located" there.7 Oral revealed degree displaces hypothetical children, own amusement, rowboats net crawfish stream. sink near water's edge, forcing wade ashore. Counsel respondents replied courts, navigable. Tr. Arg. 24. Today agrees. 35 me, illustrates substantial—and purposeless —expansion accomplished holding. respect Chief Haynsworth: 36 England born felt protect domestic industry competition foreign shipping, provide body governance movement states. inland happen apparent lakes Crosson Vance, 484 840 (CA4 1973). 37 rowboat bar, Government genuine resolution garden variety "Only burdening frustration thereby served." Adams Montana Power 528 437, 440-441 (CA9 1975).8 38 largely expansions accompanied substantive—and pre-empting —federal law. Southern Pacific Co. Jensen, 244 205, 214-218, 524, 528-529, 1086 (1917); see Kossick Fruit 365 731, 738-742, 886, 891-894, 56 (1961).9 chief objection implicitly prohibits legislative legislatures generally thought competent expected interested responsive needs." Calif.L.Rev., 664. federalism dominating will develop faster rationally creative capacities freed imaginery [sic] anything floats 719. 39 responsibility choke judicial docket truth "imaginary." accord teaching beyond roots existence. sever doctrine justification. respondent Allen They operating collision, decedent's Eliser. counterclaimed, her negligence. factual dispute concerning irrelevant issue. divergent family below, refer "respondents" throughout opinion. assumed site collision. free doubt, appears disposition point navigable, Brief leave open preserved opportunity argue development Thornberry, concurring dissenting part, argued could accident, function integral major "artery addition noting examples deprived despite clear difficulties absolutely 255-256, 498 (disapproving sustaining swimmers injured submerged objects shallow shore); 256-257, 498-499 (approving requiring activity). Not disrupt concluded give rise though hazard navigation vicinity. arises appropriate. Rules Road construction statutes relating navigation. Assuming correct, negate importance attached having governed obligations, furthered language demonstrate commercial-activity Act construed independent average dividing loss suffered thrown overboard lighten ship. G. Gilmore Black, Law 244-271 1975). "Maritime differing somewhat name civilized nations periods history. dates establishment said, being, afford very advancement civilization respective nations. "In due cause, necessities T. Etting, America 7-8 (1879) Jurisdiction: Critique Suggestions, 50 Colum.L.Rev. 259, 280 (1950) ("The main thing exist all, river, lake, ocean calls supervision tribunal enjoying expertness complicated business") added); Swaim, Yes, Virginia, Rodrigue Case, Loyola L.Rev. 43, 44 (1970) ("Maritime commerce—and nothing more—is raison d'etre admiralty"); Bridwell Whitten, Outlook Doctrine 1974 Duke L.J. 757, 793; Comment, Cal. Western 535, 558, n. 133 (1976) historical commercial. Its meet needs practice"); Note, Wash. Lee 121, 139-140 (1977) ("Those commercially considered design determine furthers created serve"). beginning 19th century, entirely coasting trade. roads existed led woods principal towns connected route North South commencement Revolution, true framed. Even 1796 waters; care 'cross roads,' leading called who member Constitutional Convention, unwilling assume. 'Fifty miles back Atlantic unbroken jungle.' vigorous phrase Henry Clay, 'the scarcely interior.' Turnpike come until nineteenth century." E. Prentice, Carriers Corporations 59-60 (1907) (footnotes omitted). reason, relatively today, contrary suggestion, ante, 672, relies dicta last century do E.g., (holding adjudication packing-houses wharf arose fire adjacent merchant ship anchor). cites apparently involving (1953); (1943); (1941). "[W]hen questions passed prior silentio, never itself subsequent finally brings us." Hagans Lavine, 415 528, 5, 1372, 1378, 577 (1974). constitutional statutory element, Art. III 1333 find provisions satisfied. statute result reach, intimate views extent 14.3 million 1980. Dept. Transportation, Coast Guard, Statistics 1980, If effect" implicated strong hear "71 Feared Dead Plane Hits Bridge, Smashes Cars, Plunges Into Potomac," Washington Post, 14, 1982, A1, col. 1. According supported difficulty defining "pleasure boating." 675-676. myriad definitional tasks performed regularly essentially rarely difficult problem court. "is area," 676, citing number statutes. course wholly cited 740. provides: injury, person property, water, notwithstanding consummated land. rem personam according principles practice obtaining water" text makes plain, "[t]his specifically overrule cases, remedy structures 260, 500. purpose—and intent expand affect boats—consistently Act's S.Rep.No.1593, 80th Cong., 2d Sess., 1-6 (1948); H.R.Rep.No.1523, (1948), U.S.Code Cong. Admin.News 1948, 1898. Farnum, Amphibious Torts, 43 Yale 34, 44-45 (1933); Harv.L.Rev. 861, 868 (1950); Include Geo.L.J. 252 (1949); Effects Recent Legislation Upon Law, Geo.Wash.L.Rev. 353 (1949). constitutionality Act. With respect, arguments regarded makeweights. construing prefer extension magnitude. 6, supra. hearings weigh factors proper 'jurisdiction' denotes dispose controversy, prescribe considering controversy. so sits solely administer law." supra 3, emphasis

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