Discretionary authority defense applies to admiralty cases – MRGO admiralty claims dismissed

In re Katrina Canal Breaches Litig., No. 14-30060, 2015 WL 3407410 (5th Cir. May 28, 2015) – 5th Circuit reviews standard for discretionary authority defense and finds that applies to cases brought against the Federal government under the admiralty laws. Admiralty based claims for damage allegedly caused by dredging MRGO were dismissed as discretionary actions covered by the statutory defense.