This Supreme Court case revolved around the issue of whether a woman was entitled to receive back pay for her service as an officer in the Navy. Susan Decatur, plaintiff in error, had served as a lieutenant on board the USS United States from 1814-1817 and sought compensation for her services. The defendant in error, James K. Paulding, Secretary of the Navy at that time argued that she was not eligible to receive any payment because women were not allowed to serve as officers during this period. The court ultimately ruled against Decatur and held that since Congress did not authorize female officers at this time there could be no recovery by Decatur for her services rendered while serving aboard the USS United States. This decision set precedent regarding gender roles within military branches and established limitations on what type of payments can be made when it comes to individuals who are ineligible due to their gender or other factors outside their control.

In the case of Susan Decatur vs. James K. Paulding, Secretary of the Navy, Justice McLean delivered a dissenting opinion in which he argued that Congress had no authority to pass an act providing for payment to Mrs. Decatur from public funds as compensation for her husband's services and death while serving in the navy during peacetime. He further argued that even if such an act were constitutional, it would be unconstitutional for Congress to make this particular appropriation without first making a general appropriation bill applicable to all similar cases arising out of service performed by naval officers during peace or war alike. In conclusion, Justice McLean stated that although his sympathies lay with Mrs. Decatur and her family over their loss due to her husband’s service in the navy, he could not agree with any decision made on grounds other than those established by law and precedent set forth by previous Supreme Court decisions regarding appropriations bills passed by Congress