John Hagan, the surviving partner of a late firm, brought an appeal against Leroy P. Walker, administrator of William H. Pope who had passed away and Frances Ann Pope, widow and guardian ad litem for their two minor children William and Julia Ann Pope. The dispute was over certain debts owed to John Hagan & Co., which were due from the estate of William H. Pope at his death in 1851 as well as some additional claims that arose after his passing such as interest on those debts that accrued before they could be collected by the appellant (Hagan). The Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favor of John Hagan's claim for payment on all outstanding debt plus interest but denied any other claims made beyond what was already established prior to Mr. Popes' death or within one year afterwards since no proof had been presented regarding them being valid obligations under Alabama law where this case originated from.

In the case of John Hagan, surviving partner of the late firm of John Hagan & Co., v. Leroy P. Walker, administrator of William H. Pope, deceased and Frances Ann Pope, widow and guardian ad litem for William Pope and Julia Ann Pope minors; Justice McLean delivered a dissenting opinion in which he argued that under the circumstances presented by this case it was not necessary to decide whether or not an infant can be bound by a contract made with their parent as such decision would have no bearing on its outcome. He further stated that even if infants were held to be bound by contracts made with their parents they could still avoid liability due to fraud or misrepresentation committed against them when entering into said contract. In conclusion Justice McLean believed that since there was evidence indicating fraud had been committed against the minor children in this particular instance they should not be held liable for any debt incurred through said contract entered into between their father and appellant John Hagan & Co..