Davis v. Crouch was a United States Supreme Court case that dealt with the issue of whether a contract between two parties was valid. The case involved a contract between William Davis and William Crouch, in which Davis agreed to pay Crouch $1,000 for the purchase of a tract of land. Crouch had previously agreed to sell the land to another party, but Davis argued that the contract between him and Crouch was valid and should be enforced. The Supreme Court held that the contract between Davis and Crouch was valid and enforceable. The Court reasoned that the contract was valid because it was made in good faith and with the intention of being binding. The Court also noted that the contract was supported by consideration, meaning that both parties had given something of value in exchange for the contract. The Court also noted that the contract was not voidable due to any fraud or misrepresentation. Ultimately, the Supreme Court held that the contract between Davis and Crouch was valid and enforceable. The Court's decision established that contracts made in good faith and with consideration are valid and enforceable, even if one of the parties had previously agreed to sell the same property to another party.

Justice Field delivered the dissenting opinion in Davis v. Crouch, arguing that the majority had misconstrued the language of a deed and failed to consider its purpose. He argued that when interpreting a deed, it was necessary to look at both its words and intent. In this case, he believed that if one looked at both aspects of the deed they would see that it was intended for Mrs. Crouch's benefit only during her lifetime; after which time any remaining funds were meant to be distributed among her children as she saw fit. Furthermore, Justice Field noted how there were no restrictions placed on Mrs. Crouch's ability to dispose of or use these funds while she was alive - meaning she could have given them away entirely if she so chose - thus making it impossible for anyone else but herself to claim an interest in them upon her death.