Reverse-Erie Doctrine Law and Legal Definition
Reverse Erie doctrine is a principle of Maritime law that the same federal maritime law applies in maritime cases, whether the case is brought in state court or in federal court based on diversity of jurisdiction. In short even if the case is brought before the state court, the state court must follow federal statutory and general maritime law. The standard was set in the case Offshore Logistics v. Tallentire, 477 U.S. 207 (U.S. 1986). This is the reverse of Erie doctrine that says if a federal court is hearing a state claim because it has diversity jurisdiction, the substantive common law of the state applies. Hence the name Reverse-Erie Doctrine.
