Admiralty Jurisdiction in American Samoa: Le Va'a Lagoa
(1992) 23 Journal of Maritime Law and Commerce 73-99
27 Pages Posted: 23 May 2018
Date Written: May 16, 1992
Abstract
This article discusses the historical development of the admiralty jurisdiction of the High Court of American Samoa, and the complex problems caused by the territory's unusual status within the US constitutional framework. This has caused particular difficulties in respect of foreclosure of preferred ship mortgages and enforcement of maritime liens within the context of the in rem admiralty jurisdiction. The article analyses the current state of admiralty jurisdiction in American Samoa and discusses avenues of potential law reform.
Keywords: Admiralty jurisdiction, American Samoa, judicial powers
JEL Classification: K11, K22, K33, K41
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation