In the case of Hannibal Bridge Company v. United States in 1910, the Supreme Court ruled on a dispute involving navigation rights and bridge construction over navigable waters. The Hannibal Bridge Company had built a bridge over the Missouri River under Congressional authorization but without specific guidelines regarding its height or location. After completion, it was found that the bridge obstructed free navigation along the river and required modification to allow for unimpeded passage of vessels. The company argued that they were not responsible for these modifications as Congress had approved their initial plans without stipulating any requirements. The court held that even though Congress authorized construction, this did not exempt them from compliance with laws ensuring free navigation on public waterways; therefore, they were liable for alterations necessary to maintain navigability. This decision clarified federal authority over structures affecting interstate commerce and reinforced government responsibility to protect public interests in maintaining open access to national waterways.

In the dissenting opinion for Hannibal Bridge Company v. United States, it was argued that the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) did not have the authority to order a railroad company to construct and maintain an additional bridge over navigable waters without compensation. The dissenting justices believed this decision violated constitutional protections against taking private property for public use without just compensation under the Fifth Amendment. They contended that while Congress had broad powers to regulate interstate commerce, these powers were not unlimited and should respect individual property rights. Furthermore, they disagreed with majority's interpretation of "regulation" in this context as including physical control or possession of private property by government agencies like ICC.