Ex Parte Emily T. and Matilda Poultney, Complainants v. The City of La Fayette, Shields et al., was a case heard by the United States Supreme Court in 1838 that dealt with the issue of slavery. The two complainants were slaves who had been taken from their home state of Virginia to Ohio without their consent or knowledge and then sold into slavery in Indiana. They argued that they should be freed as they had been illegally transported across state lines contrary to the laws governing interstate commerce at the time which prohibited such actions. In its ruling, the court held that since Congress had not passed any legislation specifically prohibiting this type of activity it could not be considered illegal under federal law and thus denied relief for these individuals on those grounds alone but did leave open other avenues for them to pursue if they so desired including seeking redress through local courts or legislatures within each respective state where applicable laws may exist regarding such matters.

In the dissenting opinion of Ex Parte Emily T. and Matilda Poultney, Complainants v. The City of La Fayette, Shields et al., Justice McLean argued that the complainants had a right to bring their case before the court as they were seeking an injunction against certain individuals who were attempting to collect taxes from them without authority or legal justification. He further argued that it was not necessary for them to have first sought relief in state courts prior to bringing their complaint before the Supreme Court as there was no applicable law which required such action on their part. Furthermore, he noted that even if there had been such a requirement, it would be impossible for these particular complainants due to financial constraints and lack of access to local courts at this time. In conclusion, Justice McLean stated his belief that granting an injunction in this case would be appropriate given its unique circumstances and should therefore be allowed by the court despite any potential procedural issues raised by other justices on appeal.