Dewhurst v. Coulthard was a case heard by the United States Supreme Court in 1798. The dispute arose when John Dewhurst, an Englishman, purchased land from William Coulthard in Pennsylvania and then discovered that the title to the property had been previously conveyed to another individual. Dewhurst sued for damages based on his claim of fraud against Coulthard and argued that he should be compensated for any losses incurred due to this misrepresentation of facts. The court held that while there may have been some negligence on behalf of Coulthard, it did not rise to the level necessary for a finding of fraud or intentional deceit as required under Pennsylvania law at the time; therefore, no damages were awarded to Dewhurst. This decision established important precedent regarding what constitutes actionable fraud in real estate transactions and has since become part of common law throughout much of America today.

In the case of Dewhurst v. Coulthard, Justice Chase delivered a dissenting opinion in which he argued that the court should not have decided on the matter at hand and instead left it to be determined by a jury. He believed that since there was no clear evidence as to who had committed an assault, it would be up to a jury of twelve men to decide whether or not either party was guilty. Furthermore, he argued that if one were found guilty then they should receive punishment according to law rather than having their damages awarded through civil proceedings. In conclusion, Justice Chase disagreed with his colleagues' decision and felt strongly about leaving such matters for juries alone so as not to interfere with criminal justice proceedings.