(1) Scope. This rule governs a forfeiture action in rem arising from a federal statute. To the extent that this rule does not address an issue, Supplemental Rules C and E and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure also apply. (2) Complaint. The complaint must: (a) be verified; (b) state the grounds for subject-matter jurisdiction, in rem jurisdiction over the … Read More

(1) Time for Filing Complaint; Security. Not later than six months after receipt of a claim in writing, any vessel owner may file a complaint in the appropriate district court, as provided in subdivision (9) of this rule, for limitation of liability pursuant to statute. The owner (a) shall deposit with the court, for the benefit of claimants, a sum … Read More

(1) Applicability. Except as otherwise provided, this rule applies to actions in personam with process of maritime attachment and garnishment, actions in rem, and petitory, possessory, and partition actions, supplementing Rules B, C, and D. (2) Complaint; Security. (a) Complaint. In actions to which this rule is applicable the complaint shall state the circumstances from which the claim arises with … Read More

In all actions for possession, partition, and to try title maintainable according to the course of the admiralty practice with respect to a vessel, in all actions so maintainable with respect to the possession of cargo or other maritime property, and in all actions by one or more part owners against the others to obtain security for the return of … Read More

(1) When Available. An action in rem may be brought: (a) To enforce any maritime lien; (b) Whenever a statute of the United States provides for a maritime action in rem or a proceeding analogous thereto. Except as otherwise provided by law a party who may proceed in rem may also, or in the alternative, proceed in personam against any … Read More

(1) When Available; Complaint, Affidavit, Judicial Authorization, and Process. In an in personam action: (a) If a defendant is not found within the district when a verified complaint praying for attachment and the affidavit required by Rule B(1)(b) are filed, a verified complaint may contain a prayer for process to attach the defendant’s tangible or intangible personal property—up to the … Read More

(1) These Supplemental Rules apply to: (A) the procedure in admiralty and maritime claims within the meaning of Rule 9(h) with respect to the following remedies: (i) maritime attachment and garnishment, (ii) actions in rem, (iii) possessory, petitory, and partition actions, and (iv) actions for exoneration from or limitation of liability; (B) forfeiture actions in rem arising from a federal … Read More

(a) Conditions for an Emergency. The Judicial Conference of the United States may declare a Civil Rules emergency if it determines that extraordinary circumstances relating to public health or safety, or affecting physical or electronic access to a court, substantially impair the court’s ability to perform its functions in compliance with these rules. (b) Declaring an Emergency. (1) Content. The … Read More

(a) In General. These rules and any amendments take effect at the time specified by the Supreme Court, subject to 28 U.S.C. §2074. They govern: (1) proceedings in an action commenced after their effective date; and (2) proceedings after that date in an action then pending unless: (A) the Supreme Court specifies otherwise; or (B) the court determines that applying … Read More

These rules may be cited as the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. (As amended Apr. 30, 2007, eff. Dec. 1, 2007.) 2007 Amendment The language of Rule 85 has been amended as part of the general restyling of the Civil Rules to make them more easily understood and to make style and terminology consistent throughout the rules. These changes are … Read More