In the case of East New York Savings Bank v. Hahn et ux., 1945, the U.S Supreme Court ruled in favor of East New York Savings Bank. The bank had filed a suit against Mr. and Mrs. Hahn after they defaulted on their mortgage payments during the Great Depression era, leading to foreclosure proceedings initiated by the bank. The Hahns argued that due to economic hardship caused by this period, they were unable to meet their financial obligations and thus should not be held accountable for defaulting on their loan agreement with the bank. However, Justice Frankfurter delivered an opinion stating that despite these circumstances being unfortunate, it did not absolve them from fulfilling contractual agreements or legal responsibilities as per existing laws at that time which did not provide relief under such conditions. This ruling emphasized upholding contract law principles even amidst severe economic downturns unless there are specific provisions within legislation providing exceptions or relief in such situations.

In the dissenting opinion for East New York Savings Bank v. Hahn et ux., Justice Frankfurter argued against the majority's decision to allow a bank to foreclose on a property due to missed mortgage payments during World War II. He believed that this ruling was in direct contradiction with The Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940, which aimed at suspending civil liabilities of military personnel so they could "devote their entire energy to the defense needs of the Nation." According to him, it was clear from both its legislative history and wording that Congress intended this law as a temporary suspension of enforcement actions against servicemen during wartime. Therefore, he contended that foreclosure proceedings should have been halted until after Mr. Hahn’s return from active duty service. Furthermore, he criticized his colleagues for failing to consider broader societal implications beyond legal technicalities; emphasizing how such decisions can negatively impact morale among soldiers who are risking their lives overseas while worrying about losing their homes back home.