Legal Document

369 U.S. 698 82 Supreme Court Reporter 1095 8 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 205 Laureano Maysonet GUZMAN, Petitioner,v.Ramon Ruiz PICHIRILO. Number 358. Argued March 27, 1962. Decided May 21, Harvey baron Nachman, San Juan, P.R., for petitioner. Seymour Pacific KF135 P2 Edgerton, Boston, Mass., respondent. Mr. Justice CLARK delivered the opinion of Court. 1 Petitioner, a longshoreman, was injured while unloading M/V Carib, Dominican registry, when shackle broke causing one ship's booms to fall upon and severely injure him. He brought this suit in admiralty recover damages resulting from unseaworthy condition ship. The libel rem against Carib personam respondent Pichirilo, her owner defense that had been demised petitioner's employer, Bordas & Company, at all times pertinent hereto, including time arose. District Puerto Rico, where lay, held ship finding there no such demise, judgment $30,000 awarded. Appeals reversed, holding under demise which relieved personal responsibility unseaworthiness, not liable because could be visited either or charterer.1 Cir., 290 Federal Reporter, 2nd 812. There being conflict on latter point between Courts Appeals, see Grillea versus States, 232 919 (C.A.2d Cir. 1956), we granted certiorari, 368 895, 176, 7 92.2 Concluding Court's findings relative operative facts charter party were clearly erroneous, hold erred reversing its judgment. 2 To create vessel must completely exclusively relinquish 'possession, command, navigation' thereof demisee. Shea, 152 178, 14 519, 38 L.Ed. 403 (1894); Leary Wall. 607, 20 756 (1872); Reed 11 591, 220 (1871). See generally Gilmore Black, Law Admiralty, 215—219; Robinson, 593—601; Scrutton, Charterparties (16th ed., McNair Mocatta), 4—7. It is therefore tantamount to, though just short of, an outright transfer ownership. However, anything complete voyage all. While may bring about change respective legal obligations demisee, ibid., need decide here whether it relieves his traditional duty maintain seaworthy vessel, our view record trial court's determination stand.3 3 who attempts escape normal liability unseaworthiness ground he has temporarily obligation burden establishing give rise relief. Thus, assuming arguendo would isolate liability, showing charter. This heavy, courts are reluctant find dealings parties consistent with any lesser relationship. E.g., supra, Wall 601, 220. establish instant case offered only testimony director-partner claimed employer.4 testified company control over operation consideration paid $200 monthly. explained company's agreement 'a kind charter, does comply regular provisions party. N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions pay seamen, food, repair, maintenance, drydocking; excluded.' negate existence petitioner deposition Captain simply employed by owner. On basis evidence court found 'was mentioned * possession 'CARIB." In addition pointed out witness prove admitted working owner, thought misled as significance this, opposed refusal believe owner's witness, prompted conclude 4 true, out, equivocation nature arrangement inconsistent party, very elements made charter' inherent authorities cited, Page 699, S.Ct., 1096, supra. And equally true fact fatal creation can captain if subject orders demisee during period demise. 190, 403; op. cit., 594—595. If convinced, action colored misunderstanding principles, have remand, should have, further credibility witness. Kweskin Finkelstein, 223 677, 679 (C.A.7th 1955). concluded disbelieved judge itself indicates disbelief witness' testimony, but conclusion pointedly stated did 'believe operator boat.' factual finding, rather than tainted admission relationship parties, appears flow interpretation Captain's testimony. extent based cannot said influenced erroneous concept For read sufficiently ambiguous reasonably construe it—as did—as saying remained alleged Viewed light course, negates content court, set aside review 'clearly erroneous.' National Association Real Estate Boards, 339 485, 495—496, 70 711, 717, 94 1007 (1950). 5 erroneous' rule civil actions applicable suits general, McAllister 348 19, 20, 75 6, 7, 99 (1954); Roper 23, 5, (1961), particular, Gardner Calvert, 253 395, 399 (C.A.3d 1958). Under appellate upset unless 'is left definite firm conviction mistake committed.' Gypsum Co., 333 364, 68 525, 542, 92 746 (1948). A credit uncorroborated director-partner, obviously disinterested outcome litigation, considered erroneous. See, e.g., Oregon State Medical Society, 343 326, 339, 72 690, 698, 96 978 (1952); Mayer Zim Israel Navigation 289 562, 563 1960). especially so leading questions here.5 fortiori accept disputed Captain, 6 Since reinstated. remanded proceedings resolution might unanswered assumption liability. Reversed remanded. FRANKFURTER took part decision case. 9 WHITE 10 HARLAN, dissenting. Certiorari principles underlying aspect below those applied Second Circuit 919. 12 Court, however, resolve conflict, nor other question law already established past decisions. Instead, reversed merely disagrees Appeals' estimate 13 Had issue decides tendered petition well regarded Rogers Missouri R. 352 500, 524, 559, 77 443, 478, 493 (dissenting opinions). reverse now what essentially evidentiary is, my view, improvident use certiorari power: done more 'to substitute views' purely issues, reached fair assessment record. U.S., 562—563, 443. Respecting issues decide, think plainly correct deciding them did. affirm. charterer him statutorily limited Rico Workmen's Accident Compensation Act. L.P.R.A. § 21. After case, Third Circuit, faced longshoreman's aligned toto position First Circuit. Yaka, 307 203 (1962). Similarly, do pass neither personally liable. Our makes unnecessary determine created without written document. At interrupted direct examination 'give answering questions.'

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