HARTANFT v. MEYER was a Supreme Court case that was decided in 1884. The case involved a dispute between two parties over a contract for the sale of a piece of land. The plaintiff, Hartranft, had entered into a contract with the defendant, Meyer, to purchase a piece of land for $1,000. Hartranft paid the full amount of the purchase price, but Meyer refused to convey the land to Hartranft. Hartranft then sued Meyer for breach of contract. The Supreme Court held that Hartranft was entitled to specific performance of the contract, meaning that Meyer was required to convey the land to Hartranft. The Court reasoned that Hartranft had fully performed his obligations under the contract, and that Meyer had breached the contract by refusing to convey the land. The Court also held that Hartranft was entitled to damages for the breach of contract, and that Meyer was liable for the full amount of the purchase price plus interest. The decision in Hartranft v. Meyer established the principle that a party who breaches a contract is liable for damages, and that the non-breaching party is entitled to specific performance of the contract. This case is still cited today as an important precedent in contract law.

In the Supreme Court case of Hartranft v. Meyer, Justice Field delivered a dissenting opinion in which he argued that the majority's decision was an overreach of federal power and violated states' rights. He stated that Congress had no authority to pass laws regulating labor contracts between employers and employees, as it is not specifically enumerated in the Constitution. Furthermore, he argued that such regulation would be detrimental to both parties involved; employers could be forced into unfavorable agreements with their workers while employees may have fewer job opportunities due to increased costs for businesses associated with these regulations. Additionally, Justice Field believed this ruling would lead to further government interference in private matters and ultimately weaken state sovereignty by allowing federal lawmaking powers beyond what is outlined in the Constitution.