In the 1911 case of Gleason v. Wood, the U.S. Supreme Court dealt with a dispute over land ownership in Oklahoma. The plaintiff, Gleason, had purchased lands at a tax sale from Pittsburg County's treasurer and later sued to quiet title against all claims by others including those made by Wood who claimed he held valid certificates for the same property issued by another county official. The lower court ruled in favor of Gleason but this decision was reversed on appeal as it was found that there were irregularities in how the taxes were assessed and collected which invalidated Gleason’s purchase at tax sale. When appealed to the Supreme Court, they upheld this reversal stating that if there are defects or irregularities present during taxation process then any subsequent sales based on such defective proceedings would also be invalid thus rendering Gleason’s claim void.

The dissenting opinion in the case of Gleason v. Wood argued that the majority's decision was incorrect because it failed to properly interpret and apply Oklahoma law regarding tax sales. The dissent contended that under state law, a purchaser at a tax sale is only entitled to possession of the property after they have received a deed following expiration of the redemption period. Until then, legal title remains with the original owner who retains all rights and privileges associated with ownership including possession. Therefore, any attempt by Gleason (the purchaser) to take possession before receiving his deed was unlawful trespassing according to this interpretation of Oklahoma law. Furthermore, even if he had been granted lawful possession through some other means not addressed by statute or precedent, he would still be liable for damages caused during his occupation as per general principles governing liability for tortious conduct on another's land.