Simple English definitions for legal terms
Read a random definition: Catholic Social Services, Inc. v. Reno
Jettison is a term used in maritime law to describe the act of throwing cargo overboard from a ship in immediate danger. This is done to lighten or stabilize the ship. It is important to note that jettison must be intentional and made for sufficient cause, such as when the ship is in danger of perishing due to a storm, rocks, pirates, or enemies. The goods must be sacrificed for the safety of the ship and the remaining cargo. If the ship and the rest of the cargo are saved by the sacrifice, the property saved should bear its proportion of the loss.
Jettison (jet-uh-suhn) is a term used in maritime law to describe the act of throwing cargo overboard to stabilize a ship that is in immediate danger.
These examples illustrate how jettison is used in situations where a ship is in danger and needs to be stabilized. In both cases, the cargo was intentionally sacrificed to ensure the safety of the ship and crew.