Legal Term: DESERTION OF SEAMEN

Definition: contracts. The abandonment, by a sailor, of a ship or vessel, in which he engaged to perform a voyage, before the expiration of his time, and without leave. 2. Desertion, without just cause, renders the sailor liable, on his shipping articles, for damages, and will, besides, work a forfeiture of his wages previously earned. 3 Kent, Com. 155. It has been decided, in England, that leaving the ship before the completion of the voyage is not desertion, in the case, 1. Of the seamans entering into the public service, either voluntarily or by impress, and 2. When he is compelled to leave it by the inhuman treatment of the captain. 2 Esp. R. 269, 1 Bells Com. 514, 5th ed., 2 Rob. Adm. R. 232.

Return to the Legalnut.com Law Dictionary