In Danforth's Lessee v. Thomas, the Supreme Court was asked to determine whether a lessee of land had the right to bring an action against a third party who wrongfully entered and took possession of the property. The court held that while it is true that only those with legal title can maintain such actions, in this case there was sufficient evidence presented by the lessee showing his right to exclusive possession which gave him standing to sue for damages caused by wrongful entry and taking of possession. This decision established that even if one does not have legal title over property they may still be able to bring suit if they are able show their rights as possessors or occupiers of said property.

In Danforth's Lessee v. Thomas, the Supreme Court was tasked with determining whether a tenant who had been evicted from their land by an ejectment suit could bring a separate action for damages against the same landlord. The majority opinion held that such an action was not permissible because it would be redundant and unnecessary to allow two suits when one would suffice. However, Justice Story dissented on this point and argued that allowing tenants to sue for damages in addition to being ejected from their property provided them with additional protection of their rights as tenants. He reasoned that if only ejectment were allowed then landlords might take advantage of tenants by evicting them without providing any compensation or other remedy for losses suffered due to wrongful eviction. Therefore, he concluded that allowing both actions simultaneously served justice better than just permitting one or the other alone.