2011 US Code
Title 46 - Shipping
Subtitle III - Maritime Liability (§§ 30101 - 31343)
Chapter 309 - SUITS IN ADMIRALTY AGAINST THE UNITED STATES (§§ 30901 - 30918)
Section 30903 - Waiver of immunity

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Metadata
Publication TitleUnited States Code, 2006 Edition, Supplement 5, Title 46 - SHIPPING
CategoryBills and Statutes
CollectionUnited States Code
SuDoc Class NumberY 1.2/5:
Contained WithinTitle 46 - SHIPPING
Subtitle III - Maritime Liability
CHAPTER 309 - SUITS IN ADMIRALTY AGAINST THE UNITED STATES
Sec. 30903 - Waiver of immunity
Containssection 30903
Date2011
Laws in Effect as of DateJanuary 3, 2012
Positive LawYes
Dispositionstandard
Source CreditPub. L. 109-304, §6(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1518.
Statutes at Large References41 Stat. 525
74 Stat. 912
110 Stat. 3967
120 Stat. 1518
Public Law ReferencesPublic Law 86-770, Public Law 104-324, Public Law 109-304

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46 USC § 30903 (2011)
§30903. Waiver of immunity

(a) In General.—In a case in which, if a vessel were privately owned or operated, or if cargo were privately owned or possessed, or if a private person or property were involved, a civil action in admiralty could be maintained, a civil action in admiralty in personam may be brought against the United States or a federally-owned corporation. In a civil action in admiralty brought by the United States or a federally-owned corporation, an admiralty claim in personam may be filed or a setoff claimed against the United States or corporation.

(b) Non-Jury.—A claim against the United States or a federally-owned corporation under this section shall be tried without a jury.

(Pub. L. 109–304, §6(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1518.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised

Section

Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)
30903 46 App.:742 (1st, 3d sentences). Mar. 9, 1920, ch. 95, §2 (1st, 3d sentences), 41 Stat. 525; Pub. L. 86–770, §3, Sept. 13, 1960, 74 Stat. 912; Pub. L. 104–324, title XI, §1105, Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3967.

In subsection (a), the words “civil action” are substituted for “proceeding” and “libel” because of rule 2 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (28 App. U.S.C.) and for consistency in the chapter. The words “civil action in admiralty in personam” are substituted for “any appropriate nonjury proceeding in personam” for clarity. The words “in rem or in personam in any district” are omitted as unnecessary. The words “admiralty claim” are substituted for “cross libel” for consistency in this chapter and with the various means of asserting a claim (such as by counterclaim or cross-claim) allowed by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The words “with the same force and effect as if the libel had been filed by a private party” are omitted as unnecessary.

Subsection (b) is substituted for the word “nonjury” to clarify that the nonjury requirement applies to any claim against the United States or a federally-owned corporation under this section regardless of which party brings the action.

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