Wards of the admiralty

Term: Wards of the AdmiraltyDefinition: In asbestos litigation, "Wards of the Admiralty" refers to maritime workers who were exposed to asbestos while working on ships, and are thus under the legal protection and jurisdiction of admiralty courts.Phonetic Pronunciation: (WARDZ uv thuh AD-muh-ral-tee)Origin: The term originates from the broader legal concept of "wards of the court," which refers to individuals under the court's protection. In this context, "Admiralty" refers to the maritime jurisdiction of courts dealing with naval and shipping matters. The phrase combines the protective aspect of "ward" with the specific jurisdiction of admiralty law, derived from the Latin "admirari," meaning "to admire," which historically related to the office of the admiral.Significance in Asbestos Context: Wards of the Admiralty are significant in asbestos litigation because they involve a specialized legal framework that governs the rights and remedies of maritime workers exposed to asbestos. This category can affect the venue and applicable laws in asbestos lawsuits, often leading to different legal considerations than those in non-maritime asbestos cases.Example Sentence: The plaintiff, a former navy mechanic, was recognized as a Ward of the Admiralty in the asbestos lawsuit due to his exposure while serving on naval vessels.Related Terms: Admiralty Law, Maritime Law, Asbestos Litigation, Jurisdiction, Maritime WorkersNotes: - Wards of the Admiralty do not refer to minors or incapacitated individuals under general guardianship, but specifically to maritime workers. - The term can influence the choice of court for filing an asbestos claim, potentially affecting the legal strategy and outcome.