In The Heirs of P. F. Dubourg de St Colombe v. the United States, the Supreme Court was asked to decide whether a claim for compensation made by French citizens against the United States could be heard in an American court of law. At issue was a treaty between France and America that provided for payment to those who had suffered losses during certain conflicts between them; however, it did not specify how claims should be adjudicated or enforced if they were disputed by either party. The appellants argued that their case should have been heard in an American court since they were seeking damages from the US government, while the US contended that such matters must be resolved through diplomatic channels instead of litigation before domestic courts due to sovereign immunity principles established under international law at that time. After considering both sides’ arguments, the Court ultimately held in favor of America's position and dismissed all claims brought forth by foreign nationals against its government without prejudice as being non-justiciable issues beyond its jurisdiction.

In The Heirs of P. F. Dubourg de St Colombe v. The United States, the Supreme Court was asked to decide whether a claim for compensation from the federal government should be allowed due to an alleged breach of contract by Congress in 1803 when it passed legislation that affected land owned by Dubourg's heirs in Louisiana Territory. In a dissenting opinion, Justice Story argued that although there may have been some injustice done to the appellants, they were not entitled to any relief because their claim was barred by principles of public policy and sovereign immunity which prevented them from suing the United States without its consent or permission granted through statute or treaty. Furthermore, he noted that even if such permission had been granted, this particular case did not fall within its scope as it related only to private rights and interests rather than those affecting public welfare or safety; thus no legal remedy could be provided under existing law at that time.