Dorrell v. Schwerman

Citations

• 111 F. 209
• 1901 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 72

Syllabus

<p>1. Seaman— Authority of Master over.</p> <p>The master of a vessel is strictly accountable to those under him, both criminally and civilly, for wanton injury inflicted upon them, or oppressive and unreasonable treatment; but he is necessarily vested with great authority, which it is his right and duty to exercise in the maintenance of discipline, and will be protected in the exercise of such authority, even to the extent of inflicting corporal punishment on a subordinate, where the circumstances are such as to justify it, and he acts from proper motives and in a reasonable manner.</p> <p>2. Same—Action against Master for Assault—Evidence Considered.</p> <p>Evidence considered, and held insufficient to sustain a libel filed against tlie master of a steamer by the steward to recover damages for personal injuries alleged to have resulted from an unprovoked assault made upon him by the master.</p>