Strathearn Steamship Co. v. Dillon
United States Supreme Court
252 U.S. 348, 40 S. Ct. 350, 64 L. Ed. 607 (1920)
- Written by Kyli Cotten, JD
Facts
Dillon (defendant) was a British subject contracted to work aboard a British vessel owned by Strathearn Steamship Co. (defendant) on an approximately three-year voyage. The voyage included stops at ports in the United States. Dillon’s contract provided that payment would be made upon completion of the voyage, which is a valid contract under British law. Once the vessel arrived at a port in Pensacola, Florida, Dillon demanded one-half of the wages earned from the vessel’s captain and was refused. Thus, Dillon filed an action in United States district court, claiming the right to payment for the wages earned at the time of Dillon’s demand per the Seamen’s Act passed by the United States Congress. The district court found against Dillon on the grounds that his demand for payment was premature. The court of appeals reversed and found that Dillon was entitled to recover. Strathearn Steamship submitted a writ of certiorari.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Day, J.)
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