Judge William Marvin and the Law of Salvage

Abstract

This essay explores the salvage decisions rendered by William Marvin during his time as a judge in Key West (1839-45; 1847-63). It also discusses his celebrated treatise on salvage law (1858), which cemented his reputation as one of America’s leading authorities on maritime law. It discusses why Marvin continued to act as a Superior Court judge for over a year after Florida ceased to be a territory. Lastly, it recounts how Marvin superintended the city’s notorious wrecking industry.

Keywords: Federal Courts, Florida Territorial Courts, General Average, Key West, William Marvin, Marine Salvage, Wrecks and Wrecking