Corvallis Sand & Gravel Co. v. Oregon ex rel. State Land Board

Opinion summary

Etalia.ai summary of the majority opinion

The case involved a dispute over the ownership of land that had emerged due to changes in the course of a navigable river. Corvallis Sand & Gravel Co. claimed title to certain lands along the Willamette River, asserting that it owned property up to what was previously recognized as the high-water mark before avulsion altered its path. The State Land Board of Oregon contended that these lands were state-owned under principles governing navigable waters and public trust doctrine, arguing for state control over submerged and submersible lands within its borders. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favor of Corvallis Sand & Gravel Co., determining federal common law did not apply because this was an issue regarding non-navigational water rights governed by state law rather than federal jurisdiction.