The Sapphire was a Supreme Court case from 1870 that dealt with the issue of maritime law. The case involved a dispute between the owners of the Sapphire, a British vessel, and the owners of the cargo it was carrying. The Sapphire had been damaged in a storm and the owners of the cargo argued that the owners of the vessel were liable for the damage. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the owners of the vessel, finding that the owners of the vessel were not liable for the damage as it was caused by an act of God. The Court also found that the owners of the vessel had taken reasonable steps to protect the cargo and that the damage was not caused by any negligence on their part. The Court also held that the owners of the vessel were not liable for any losses incurred by the owners of the cargo. This ruling established the principle that the owners of a vessel are not liable for any losses incurred due to an act of God.

In The Sapphire, the Supreme Court was asked to decide whether a vessel that had been seized by the United States Navy for transporting slaves in violation of international law could be forfeited. In an 8-1 decision, the court held that it could not. Justice Field wrote a dissenting opinion arguing that Congress had given authority to seize and forfeit vessels used in slave trade under international law and therefore this should apply here as well. He argued further that since slavery was illegal under both domestic and foreign laws, any vessel found guilty of participating in such activity should be subject to forfeiture regardless of its nationality or ownership status. Furthermore, he noted that if no action were taken against those who violated these laws then they would continue their activities with impunity which would lead to more violations down the road.