October Term 2000 · Docket 99-1331
Can a shipowner limit liability to defeat a seaman's Jones Act claim?
A seaman seeks full damages under the Jones Act. The shipowner argues the Limited Liability Act caps those damages.
Verified source milestones
- — An official oral-argument transcript was verified.
The arguments, in order
This case may have been argued more than once. Each entry below uses that session's official transcript. Later arguments do not erase earlier ones.
Argument 1 ·
What happened at the argument
Roy Dripps argued both statutes should apply.
He claimed the company used the Limited Liability Act improperly.
He stated this action destroys rights Congress granted to Lewis.
Chief Justice Rehnquist closed the oral argument session.
Read the official transcript for this argument · Official argument details
Sources used for this argument breakdown
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 21, lines 11-3 — Transcript, file page 21, lines 11-3
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 17-41 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 17-41
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 5-15 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 5-15
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 45, lines 35-37 — Transcript, file page 45, lines 35-37
A citizen's guide to the whole case
What this case is about
James Lewis sued Lewis & Clark Marine for injuries. He claims the Jones Act grants him specific rights. The company argues the Limited Liability Act restricts its financial exposure. The Court must decide if these statutes conflict.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 21, lines 11-3 — Transcript, file page 21, lines 11-3
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 17-41 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 17-41
How the case got here
The Supreme Court heard oral argument in this case on November 29, 2000.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 5-15 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 5-15
What each side wants
Lewis wants full compensation under the Jones Act.
Lewis & Clark Marine wants a liability cap under the Limited Liability Act.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 21, lines 11-3 — Transcript, file page 21, lines 11-3
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 17-41 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 17-41
What each side says
Lewis argues the Jones Act grants specific seaman rights.
Lewis & Clark Marine argues the Limited Liability Act caps damages.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 21, lines 11-3 — Transcript, file page 21, lines 11-3
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 17-41 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 17-41
What the justices asked
How do the Jones Act and Limited Liability Act interact?
Does the Limited Liability Act override Jones Act rights?
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 45, lines 35-37 — Transcript, file page 45, lines 35-37
Why it matters
This case defines the financial exposure of shipowners. It determines the compensation available to injured seamen. It clarifies the scope of federal maritime liability laws.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 21, lines 11-3 — Transcript, file page 21, lines 11-3
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 17-41 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 17-41
What happens next
This article currently covers the argument record. Use the official docket link for later case activity.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 5-15 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 5-15
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 45, lines 35-37 — Transcript, file page 45, lines 35-37
Official Court provenance
Official docket and case history · Official Supreme Court oral-argument detail page
Title and summary sources
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 21, lines 11-3 — Transcript, file page 21, lines 11-3
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 17-41 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 17-41
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 21, lines 11-3 — Transcript, file page 21, lines 11-3
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 17-41 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 17-41
Revision history
- Revision 1 · Official Transcript ·
Correction: Rewritten to the concise citizen-facing editorial standard.
- Revision 2 · Official Transcript ·
Correction: Migrated to the dated official Court activity contract without model use.