Ex Parte Tobias Watkins was a case heard by the United States Supreme Court in 1830. The petitioner, Tobias Watkins, had been convicted of larceny and sentenced to three years' imprisonment. He appealed his conviction on the grounds that he had not received due process under the law as required by the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution. Specifically, he argued that his trial court did not have jurisdiction over him because it lacked proper notice prior to his arrest and trial. In its ruling, the Supreme Court held that due process must be provided for all persons accused of crimes regardless of their citizenship status or any other factor; thus, it reversed Watkins's conviction and remanded him for a new trial with proper notice given beforehand. This decision established an important precedent regarding constitutional rights which still stands today: no one can be deprived of life or liberty without being afforded their right to due process under law.

In the case of Ex Parte Tobias Watkins, the Supreme Court was asked to decide whether a state court had jurisdiction over a federal question. The majority opinion held that it did not, and thus dismissed the writ of error from the Circuit Court. However, Justice Thompson dissented on this point and argued that state courts should be allowed to hear cases involving federal questions if they are properly brought before them. He reasoned that since Congress has given states authority in certain areas related to federal law, such as bankruptcy proceedings or admiralty matters, then it would make sense for them to also have jurisdiction over other issues arising under those laws. Furthermore, he noted that allowing state courts access to these types of cases could help ensure uniformity in their interpretation across all jurisdictions and prevent unnecessary delays due to appeals being taken up by higher courts. Ultimately though his view was not adopted by the majority at this time; however his dissenting opinion laid important groundwork for future decisions regarding judicial power between states and federal government entities.