Legal Definitions - libelee

A libelee is the individual or entity against whom a formal written complaint, known as a "libel," has been filed in specific types of courts, historically admiralty or ecclesiastical courts. In essence, the libelee is the defendant in such a case.

While the term "libel" is often associated with defamation (false written statements that harm someone's reputation), in this specialized legal context, it refers to the initial legal document that initiates a lawsuit in these particular jurisdictions. This document outlines the claims made by the party filing the complaint (known as the "libelant").

• Example 1: Maritime Collision

  A large container ship, the Atlantic Voyager, is involved in a collision with a smaller research vessel, the Explorer, in international waters. The owners of the Explorer believe the Atlantic Voyager was negligent and file a formal complaint, or "libel," in an admiralty court to seek compensation for the damage to their vessel and the disruption of their research mission. In this scenario, the owners of the Atlantic Voyager would be referred to as the libelee, as they are the party against whom the maritime complaint has been lodged.

• Example 2: Salvage Claim Dispute

  A fishing trawler, the Seagull, suffers engine failure and is adrift in a busy shipping lane. A passing tugboat, the Harbor Master, successfully tows the Seagull to port, preventing a potential disaster. The tugboat company then files a "libel" in an admiralty court to claim a salvage award for their efforts, as they cannot agree on a fair price with the owner of the Seagull. The owner of the Seagull, being the party against whom this claim for a salvage award has been filed, is the libelee in this admiralty proceeding.