1. A court that exercises jurisdiction over all maritime contracts, torts, injuries, or offenses. • The federal courts are so called when exercising their admiralty jurisdiction, which is conferred by the U.S. Constitution (art. III, § 2, cl. 1). — Also termed admiralty court; maritime court. [Cases: Admiralty
1. C.J.S. Admiralty §§ 2–12, 33, 37, 41, 69–70, 83, 280.]
2. The system of jurisprudence that has grown out of the practice of admiralty courts; MARITIME LAW.
3. Narrowly, the rules governing contract, tort, and workers’-compensation claims arising out of commerce on or over navigable water. — Also termed (in senses 2 & 3) admiralty law. — admiralty, adj.
