United States Supreme Court Cases & Opinions

U.S. Supreme Court

Calmar Steamship Corp. v. United States, 345 U.S. 446 (1953)

Calmar Steamship Corp. v. United States

No. 262

Argued January 15, 1953

Decided April 27, 1953

345 U.S. 446

Syllabus

Under the Suits in Admiralty Act, which authorizes the filing against the United States in the District Courts of libels in personam concerning vessels "operated by or for the United States" and "employed as merchant vessels," a privately owned vessel operated for hire for the United States is "employed as a merchant vessel" although the vessel be engaged on a war mission. Pp. 345 U. S. 446-456.

197 F.2d 795, judgment vacated and cause remanded.

The District Court assumed jurisdiction of a libel under the Suits in Admiralty Act and awarded a decree against the United States on part of the libellant's claim. 103 F.Supp. 243. The Court of Appeals reversed. 197 F.2d 795. This Court granted certiorari. 344 U.S. 853. Judgment of the Court of Appeals vacated, and cause remanded to that court, p. 345 U. S. 456.