Federal Courts Act Threatens Admiralty Jurisdiction, Undermines State Court Remedies.
The 2011 Federal Courts Jurisdiction and Venue Clarification Act changed language in the federal removal statute, allowing some courts to remove general maritime actions from state court to federal court. This goes against established admiralty law and undermines the saving to suitors clause, which gives plaintiffs the choice to pursue remedies in state court. This interpretation of the JVCA would fundamentally alter admiralty jurisdiction.