Harter Act

Summary of Harter Act

An act of Congress (27 Stat. 445) passed in 1893 to define more clearly carrier liabilities in cases of loss and damage at sea. Originally maritime law left the carrier responsible for virtually any loss or damage that might occur while the goods were in his custody. Carriers sought to repudiate this responsibility by adding various disclaimers to their bills of lading. The act largely compromised between these divergent interests and served as a basis for subsequent international agreements on ocean carrier responsibility. See CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY SEA ACT, HAGUE RULES.

(Main Author: William J. Miller)