Court of Appeals in Cases of Capture

The idea for the court originated from requests sent by General George Washington during the American Revolution to President of Congress John Hancock,[2][3] but initially resulted in only the establishment of committees within Congress to exercise such jurisdiction.

[1] Although specific express power to establish the Court was granted to Congress in the Articles of Confederation,[10] the Articles of Confederation were not yet fully ratified by all thirteen of the original states when Congress established the Court on January 15, 1780.

[33] On June 27, 1786, the Court's jurisdiction was again expanded to include rehearings and new trials in certain cases wherever justice so required.

[38] On Sept. 5, 1781, an extension of time for appeal was granted in the case of a capture decided in favor of Patrick Mahon against Roger Kean.

[39] Additionally, some appeals filed with Congress and referred to committees were subsequently transferred to the Court.

[32] All judges serving on the Court were first required to take the following oath of office administered before the President of Congress: You do swear [or affirm] that you will well, faithfully and impartially execute the office of one of the judges of the Court of Appeals in Cases of Capture, according to the best of your skill and judgment.

[43]Initially, the judges received annual salaries for their services with reimbursement for expenses,[32][44] but their compensation was later changed to provide for only fixed daily rates, including time spent traveling on official business of the Court.