Legal Definitions - ward of admiralty

A ward of admiralty is a term used to refer to a seaman who is under the protection of the law. This is because, in legal matters, a seaman is considered to be at a disadvantage compared to the other party involved in the contract. Therefore, the law treats the seaman as a beneficiary and the other party as a fiduciary.

For example, if a seaman signs a contract with a shipping company, the law assumes that the seaman may not have had equal bargaining power with the company. Therefore, the law provides protection to the seaman as a ward of admiralty.

Other examples of wards include:

• A minor who is under the supervision of a juvenile court but whose parents' parental rights have not been terminated (temporary ward).
• A person who is housed by, and receives protection and necessities from, the government (ward of the state).

These examples illustrate the definition of a ward, which is a person who is under the protection or guardianship of someone or something else. In the case of a ward of admiralty, the protection is provided by the law to ensure that the seaman is not taken advantage of in contractual matters.