The Schooner Exchange v.

McFaddon
THE SCHOONER EXCH. V. MCFADDON, 11 U. S. 11 6 , 3 L. ED. 2 8 7 , 7
CRANCH 11 6 (U.S. MAR. 2 , 1 8 1 2 )
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INTRODUCTION
Jurisdiction is a fundamental component of legal systems, allowing authorities to
address legal issues within particular constraints. In the field of Public International
Law, jurisdiction and sovereignty have an unbreakable connection, representing a
state's independence while engaging in global legal frameworks. The Schooner
Exchange case, a key legal dispute, skillfully brings together the complications of
jurisdiction, sovereignty, and international relations.
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FACTS
The Schooner Exchange, owned by John McFaddon and William Greetham, sailed
from Baltimore, Maryland, to San Sebastián, Spain, in 1809. However, on
December 30, 1810, the vessel was taken into custody on Napoleon Bonaparte's
orders and subsequently armed and commissioned as the French warship Balaou.
Later, when the ship sought refuge in Philadelphia due to storm damage, McFaddon
and Greetham filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of
Pennsylvania, stating that their property had been illegally seized.

The district court initially determined that it lacked jurisdiction over the case.
However, on appeal, the Circuit Court for the District of Pennsylvania overruled the
district court's ruling and ordered that the case should be heard on its merit.
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ISSUE
Does the jurisdiction of friendly powers extend to national warships entering their ports, or
are these warships exempt from such jurisdiction?
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JUDGEMENT
The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice John Marshall, overturns
the lower court's decision. Marshall states that countries have
complete power over what happens within their borders, but they
may also say, "It's okay" for certain things to occur. For example,
when a foreign leader travels, they are typically not subject to local
rules. Marshall claims the same principle applies to warships. If they
are allowed to enter a friendly country, they are not subject to local
laws.
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ANALYSIS
This case revolves about countries respecting each other's space and
agreeing on some basic standards. The court discusses how
ambassadors and military personnel are treated differently when
they visit other countries. It's like a great pact between countries to
be nice to one other's major possessions.
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CONCLUSION
The court concludes that the Schooner Exchange, as a French vessel in a friendly
American port, gets special protection. Because America and France get along well,
the ship is exempt from American regulations. This example demonstrates that even
in legal matters, countries strive to be respectful and maintain peace.
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THANK YOU
FOR LISTEN ING US SO PE ACE FUL LY