Legal Definitions - vice-admiralty court

A vice-admiralty court is a type of court that was established in British colonies outside of the United Kingdom. This court had the power to hear cases related to maritime law, including those involving prize.

For example, if a ship was captured during a war and brought to a British colony, the vice-admiralty court would be responsible for determining whether the ship and its cargo were legal prizes of war.

The governor of the colony would act as the "vice-admiral" and would have the authority to make judicial decisions in this court.

Overall, the vice-admiralty court played an important role in enforcing British maritime law in colonies around the world.