Definition Of A Lake Focus Of Duck Boats Federal Court Hearing

The legal definition of what constitutes a lake was the focus of a court hearing concerning a tourist boat accident in Missouri that killed 17 people.

The Kansas City Star reports a federal judge heard arguments Thursday on whether Table Rock Lake in Branson is a "navigable waterway."

A ruling on that question could determine the scope of damages Ripley Entertainment would be required to pay to survivors or relatives of people who died when a duck boat sank in July on the lake.

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Ripley, the owner of the Ride the Ducks operation, argues an 1851 law limits the amount of damages it would have to pay - if Table Rock Lake is a navigable waterway.

The plaintiffs' attorneys contend the law doesn't apply.

The judge did not rule after Thursday's hearing.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.