Friday, May 15, 2009

Mazda Motors v. M/V Cougar Ace (9th Cir. - May 8, 2009)

This is how Judge Fisher begins this opinion: "This in rem admiralty action requires us to decide whether the defendant ocean vessel may invoke a forum selection clause in the bills of lading governing ocean carriage on that vessel."

Oooh! Sexy!

You had me at "in rem admiralty," Ray. And I went totally over the top once I saw "forum selection clause" and "bill of lading." Baby!

What's the age-old technique of the "Himalaya Clause," you might ask? You wish. I'll take the secret with me to my grave.

It's my job to read every single published Ninth Circuit case. Sometimes, I read 'em so you don't have to. Like here.