Schlumberger Technology Corporation v. Christopher Arthey and Denise Arthey

Under Texas law, a social host has no duty to prevent someone from drinking and driving. 1 But in this case, the driver became intoxicated on a small, chartered fishing boat during a business retreat, and plaintiffs contend that their action against the host is governed by federal maritime law, which, they argue, would recognize liability. 2 For maritime law to apply, the action must fall within admiralty jurisdiction, and under the tests prescribed by the United States Supreme Court in Jerome B. Grubart, Inc. v. Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co., 3 it does not. Accordingly, we reverse the…