from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
MARINE CONTRACT. One which relates to business done or transacted upon the
sea and in sea ports, and over which the courts of admiralty have
jurisdiction concurrent with the courts of common law; such contracts
include according to civilians and jurists among other things, charter
parties, affreightments, marine hypothecations, contracts for the marine
service in the building, repairing, supplying and navigating ships;
contracts and quasi contracts respecting averages, contributions and
jettisons, and policies of insurance. 2 Gall. R. 398, where Judge Story gave
a very learned opinion on the subject.