PRIZE COURTS
\pɹˈa͡ɪz kˈɔːts], \pɹˈaɪz kˈɔːts], \p_ɹ_ˈaɪ_z k_ˈɔː_t_s]\
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During the colonial wars, cases of prize were adjudged by the admiralty courts held by the colonial governors as vice-admirals, or by judges whom they appointed, with appeal to commissioners in England. On the beginning of naval warfare and privateering in the Revolution, the States erected admiralty courts to deal with this class of cases. The Continental Congress established a court of appeal for such causes when in dispute between States. Under the Judiciary Act of 1789, the U.S. District Courts were made prize courts, with appeal to the Supreme Court.
By John Franklin Jameson
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Snake's-head
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