Martin, Fuller & Co. v. The Southwark
United States Supreme Court
191 U.S. 1, 24 S.Ct. 1, 48 L.Ed. 65, 2010 AMC 1493 (1903)

- Written by Carolyn Strutton, JD
Facts
The International Navigation Company owned a refrigerated-cargo vessel, the Southwark (defendants). Martin, Fuller & Company (Martin, Fuller) (plaintiff) contracted with International Navigation to carry beef from the United States to England on the Southwark. A few hours into the voyage, the cargo refrigeration on the vessel broke down. The refrigeration was fixed but later broke again. By the time the Southwark reached England, the cargo of beef was rotten. Martin, Fuller filed an in rem action over the Southwark in federal district court, claiming damages for the lost cargo. The district court exonerated Southwark and International Navigation from fault, and the circuit court of appeals affirmed the judgment. Martin, Fuller appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Day, J.)
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