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The Propeller Genesee Chief v. Fitzhugh
United States Supreme Court
53 U.S. 443 (1851)
- Written by Rose VanHofwegen, JD
Facts
When the steamboat Genesee Chief (defendant) collided with a schooner on Lake Ontario, the schooner sank. Henry Fitzhugh and others who owned the schooner (plaintiffs) brought an in rem admiralty proceeding against the steamboat under an 1845 act that extended federal court jurisdiction to cases arising on the Great Lakes and navigable waters connecting them. The district court entered judgment for the schooner owners, and the circuit court affirmed. The Genesee Chief owners appealed on multiple grounds, including challenging the constitutionality of the 1845 act giving federal courts jurisdiction beyond tidal waters.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Taney, C.J.)
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