Prize Courts

Tribunals with jurisdiction to decide disputes involving captures made upon the high seas during times of war and to declare the captured property as a prize if it is lawfully subject to that sentence.

In England, admiralty courts possess jurisdiction as prize courts, in addition to their customary admiralty jurisdiction. The judge of an admiralty court receives a special commission in time of war to empower him or her to conduct such proceedings.

In the United States, federal district courts have original jurisdiction to try prize cases.

Cross-references

Admiralty and Maritime Law.