The Julia, Luce, Master was a case heard by the United States Supreme Court in 1814. The case concerned an incident that occurred on board a vessel called the Julia while it was sailing from Philadelphia to Havana. On board were two passengers: John Luce and William Master. During their voyage, they got into an altercation with each other which resulted in both of them being injured. As a result of this altercation, Luce brought suit against Master for damages caused by his actions aboard the ship and sought compensation for medical expenses incurred as well as pain and suffering endured due to his injuries. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled that since there had been no contract between the parties involved regarding any potential liability arising out of such incidents occurring onboard ships at sea, neither party could be held liable for damages resulting from their dispute aboard the vessel; thus denying Luce's claim against Master for compensation related to his injuries sustained during their altercation on board the Julia.

In the case of The Julia, Luce, Master (1814), Justice Story delivered a dissenting opinion. He argued that the court should not have dismissed the libel filed by John and William Brown against their former captain Thomas Smith for breach of contract. According to Justice Story, there was sufficient evidence to support a finding in favor of the Browns on both counts: firstly, that Smith had failed to deliver them safely from one port to another as agreed upon; secondly, that he had refused or neglected to pay wages due under his agreement with them. Furthermore, Justice Story noted that it was well established law at common law and in admiralty courts alike that when an owner entrusts goods or persons into a master's care for transportation from one place to another they are entitled either directly or indirectly through damages awarded by way of compensation if any harm is done during such voyage. As such he concluded it would be unjust for this court not award some form of relief given all these facts were proven before it.