G.R. No.

L-496 December 31, 1902

UNITED STATES vs. WILLIAM FOWLER

FACTS:

On August 12, 1901, the defendants were accused of the theft of 16 champagne bottles worth 20 dollars
while on board the vessel “Lawton” which was travelling on the high seas during the act. The counsel for
defendants alleged to the Court of First Instance that they were without jurisdiction over the crime
charged. Since it happened in the high seas and not in the city of Manila or in the territory in which the
jurisdiction of the court extends, they asked that the case be dismissed.

ISSUE: Whether or not the Court of First Instance has jurisdiction over crimes committed on the high
seas on board of transport not registered in the Philippines.

HELD: 
No. The Philippine court has no jurisdiction over the crime of theft committed on high seas on board a
vessel not registered or licensed in the Philippines. The transport “Lawton” not being a vessel of this
class, our courts are without jurisdiction to take a cognizance of a crime committed on board the same.