The Lucille was a case heard before the United States Supreme Court in 1873. The dispute arose when two vessels, the Lucille and the Lizzie B., collided off of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Both ships were damaged as a result of this collision and both parties sought damages from each other for their losses. The court found that both ships had been negligent in navigating around one another and thus held them equally responsible for any damage caused by the collision. This decision established an important legal precedent which holds that if two vessels are involved in a maritime accident, they must share responsibility regardless of who is at fault or how much damage has been done to either vessel. In addition to establishing this principle, it also set forth guidelines on how such disputes should be handled going forward with regards to apportioning liability between multiple parties involved in similar accidents on navigable waters.

In The Lucille, the Supreme Court was tasked with determining whether a ship's captain had authority to sell goods on board in order to pay for necessary repairs. In an 8-1 decision, the court held that he did not have such authority. Justice Field dissented from this opinion and argued that captains should be allowed to make such sales when it is necessary for the safety of their vessels or passengers. He noted that while there are laws governing how ships may be sold at auction, these laws do not provide any guidance as to what happens if a vessel needs immediate repair but lacks sufficient funds. Thus, allowing captains discretion in making such sales would ensure they can take whatever action is needed without fear of legal repercussions. Furthermore, Justice Field argued that since owners often lack knowledge about conditions at sea and rely heavily on their captains' judgment when it comes to matters concerning their vessels' safety and well-being, denying them this power could lead to disastrous consequences which could easily outweigh any potential harm caused by granting them some degree of autonomy over decisions regarding repairs and other necessities aboard ship