Hastings and Dakota Railroad Company v. Whitney was a Supreme Court case that was decided in 1887. The case involved a dispute between the Hastings and Dakota Railroad Company and the Whitney family over the ownership of a piece of land in Dakota Territory. The Hastings and Dakota Railroad Company had obtained a right-of-way from the United States government to build a railroad through the Whitney family's land. The Whitney family argued that the right-of-way was invalid because it had not been obtained in accordance with the laws of the Dakota Territory. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favor of the Hastings and Dakota Railroad Company, holding that the right-of-way was valid and that the Whitney family had no legal right to the land. The Court also held that the right-of-way was a valid exercise of the federal government's power to regulate interstate commerce. This decision established the principle that the federal government has the power to regulate interstate commerce, even when it conflicts with state laws.

In the dissenting opinion of Hastings and Dakota Railroad Company v. Whitney, Justice Field argued that the majority decision was wrongfully decided. He believed that the railroad company had a right to take possession of land owned by Whitney in order to build their railway line, as they were authorized to do so under state law. Furthermore, he argued that since there was no evidence presented at trial showing any harm done by taking this property from Whitney, it should not be considered an illegal act or trespass on his rights. In conclusion, Justice Field disagreed with the majority's ruling and felt strongly that Hastings and Dakota Railroad Company should have been allowed to take possession of Whitney's land for building purposes without being held liable for damages caused by doing so.