Adam v. Norris is a United States Supreme Court case that was decided in 1881. The case involved a dispute between two parties over the ownership of a piece of land in the state of Arkansas. The plaintiff, Adam, claimed that he had purchased the land from the defendant, Norris, in 1867. Norris, however, argued that the sale was invalid because he had not been given proper notice of the sale. The Supreme Court ultimately sided with Norris, ruling that the sale was invalid because Adam had not given Norris proper notice of the sale. The Court held that the sale was void because Adam had not given Norris the required notice of the sale, as required by Arkansas law. The Court also held that Adam was not entitled to any compensation for the land, as he had not given Norris the required notice. In conclusion, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Norris, holding that the sale of the land was invalid because Adam had not given Norris the required notice of the sale. The Court also held that Adam was not entitled to any compensation for the land.

Justice Field delivered the dissenting opinion in Adam v. Norris, arguing that the court should not have reversed its decision from an earlier case involving similar facts. He argued that a party's right to appeal was established by law and could not be taken away without due process of law. Furthermore, he argued that if a party had been denied their right to appeal, then they would be deprived of their property without due process of law as guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment. Justice Field concluded his dissent with a reminder that it is important for courts to adhere strictly to precedent so as not to create confusion or uncertainty in legal matters.