Admiralty, << AD muhr uhl tee, >> is a department of a nation’s government that directs naval affairs. For example, the Admiralty Board in the United Kingdom controls the Royal Navy. Beginning in the 1300’s, the Lord High Admiral commanded the Royal Navy. In 1708, the Board of Admiralty (now Admiralty Board) assumed control of naval affairs. Its powers are about the same as those of the Department of the Navy in the United States and of the Royal Canadian Navy. The term admiralty law applies to a body of laws relating to ships and shipping. It covers wrecks, collisions, and cargo damage. In the United States, district courts hear these cases. See also Maritime law .
