J

Latin. The throwing of goods into the sea for the purpose of lightening the ship: jettison. Where goods are thrown overboard in a storm to ensure the safety of the ship and remainder of the cargo, the owners both of the ship and cargo saved, are liable pro rata to the owner of the goods thus thrown out, for their value. This equitable rule of law is borrowed by us from the civil law (Lex Rhodia de jactu) and is adopted, under several modifications, by all the commercial countries in Europe.