Barratry - Definition and Overview

Two legal concepts go by the name barratry: one in criminal and civil law, the other in admiralty law.

• In criminal law, barratry is the act or practice of bringing repeated legal actions solely to harass. Usually, the actions brought lack merit. This action has been declared a crime in some jurisdictions. See also: champerty, SLAPP, vexatious litigation, abuse of process, malicious prosecution, forum shopping.

• In admiralty law, barratry is a fraudulent act committed by a master or crew of a vessel which damages the vessel or its cargo, including desertion, illegal scuttling, and theft of the ship or cargo.

A third meaning also exists: the buying and selling of positions of authority, especially those within the church. This meaning is synonymous with simony.