In the 1904 case Ex Parte The Republic of Colombia, the Supreme Court of the United States denied a motion by Colombia to file a bill in equity. The Colombian government sought to prevent Panama's secession and its subsequent recognition as an independent state by the U.S. They argued that this violated existing treaties between Colombia and America. However, Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., writing for a unanimous court, held that such matters were political questions outside their jurisdiction. He stated that it was not within their power to review or reverse decisions made by other branches of government regarding foreign affairs or recognizing new states' sovereignty. Therefore, they could not grant any relief requested by Colombia.

In the dissenting opinion for Ex Parte The Republic of Colombia, 1904, it was argued that the Supreme Court did not have jurisdiction over this case. The dissenting justices believed that since the dispute involved a foreign government and its property within U.S. borders, it fell under international law rather than domestic law. They contended that such matters should be resolved through diplomatic channels between nations rather than in American courts. Furthermore, they expressed concern about setting a precedent where U.S courts could interfere with or control assets belonging to foreign governments located in America without their consent or against their will. This view emphasized respect for national sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs of other countries as key principles of international relations and diplomacy.