Why are admiralty courts associated with maritime law?

Admiralty courts are historically associated with maritime law because they were specifically established to oversee matters occurring at sea, which required specialized legal procedures distinct from common-law systems.12

The association stems from several key factors:

• Origin and Jurisdiction: The High Court of Admiralty in England, established around 1360, was originally tasked with administrative and military duties, including disciplinary proceedings for piracy and prizes. Its jurisdiction eventually expanded to include civil maritime cases, applying the laws and customs of the sea.12
• Specialized Procedure: Unlike common-law courts, admiralty courts functioned without juries and utilized procedures derived from Roman civil law, which were often better suited for the international nature of maritime disputes.12
• In Rem Proceedings: A defining feature of admiralty practice is the proceeding in rem, where a legal action is brought against the vessel or cargo itself rather than just the owner. This allows the court to arrest property to satisfy claims, such as those for salvage or collision damages, providing a unique remedy that common-law courts could not offer.31