The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments this morning in Atlantic Sounding Co. v. Townsend, a case involving the availability of punitive damages in maritime cases. Specifically, the question presented is whether whether a seaman may recover punitive damages against a shipowner for failing to pay “maintenance and cure” (i.e., living expenses and medical costs) for shipboard injuries.

Click here for links to the briefs on the merits, courtesy of the American Bar Association.

We’ll post a link to the oral argument transcript as soon as its available.

UPDATE: The transcript is available here.