Merchant Marine Act of 1920

Term: Merchant Marine Act of 1920Definition: The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, also known as the Jones Act, is a U.S. federal statute that regulates maritime commerce and provides a legal basis for seafarers to sue their employers for negligence or unseaworthiness.Phonetic Pronunciation: (MER-chant ma-REEN akt of nineteen-twenty)Origin: Enacted by the United States Congress, the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 was named after its chief sponsor, Senator Wesley Jones. It was designed to support the U.S. merchant marine industry following World War I. The term "merchant marine" derives from the Latin "mercator," meaning trader, and "marinus," meaning of the sea, reflecting the act's focus on maritime trade.Significance in Asbestos Context: The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 is significant in asbestos litigation because it allows maritime workers, who were often exposed to asbestos on ships, to file lawsuits against their employers for asbestos-related injuries. This act provides a crucial legal pathway for compensation and has been instrumental in numerous asbestos-related cases involving maritime workers.Example Sentence: Under the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, a retired shipyard worker successfully sued his former employer for asbestos exposure that led to his mesothelioma diagnosis.Related Terms: Jones Act, maritime law, negligence, unseaworthiness, asbestos litigationNotes: - The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 is often referred to simply as the Jones Act. - It applies to workers on vessels in navigable waters, which is a key factor in asbestos-related maritime cases. - The act does not cover all maritime workers; for instance, longshoremen are covered under different legislation.