Norfolk Shipbuilding Drydock Corporation v. Garris, 532 U.S. 811 (2001), is a Supreme Court case addressing whether the a cause of action for negligence exists under maritime law.

Christopher Garris was a harbor worker who died as a result of a drydock company's employee's negligence.

Garris's mother brought an action as administratrix of his estate against the company, Norfolk Shipbuilding & Drydock Corporation, invoking federal admiralty jurisdiction and seeking damages under general maritime law.

The Court ultimately held that a negligent breach of the general maritime duty of care was actionable when it caused death.

[3] In doing so, the Court extended the application of its holding in Moragne v. States Marine Lines, Inc. which had overruled a prior holding in The Harrisburg, and analyzed the phrase “violation of maritime duties” in Moragne to determine whether the complained-of conduct fell within its scope.