Holmes v. Sevier was a United States Supreme Court case that was decided in 1871. The case involved a dispute between two parties over a contract for the sale of land. The plaintiff, Holmes, had entered into a contract with the defendant, Sevier, to purchase a tract of land in Arkansas. Holmes had paid a portion of the purchase price, but had not yet paid the remainder. Sevier then sold the land to a third party, and Holmes sued for breach of contract. The Supreme Court held that the contract between Holmes and Sevier was valid and enforceable. The Court found that the contract was supported by consideration, and that Holmes had a right to expect that the contract would be honored. The Court also held that the sale of the land to the third party was a breach of the contract, and that Holmes was entitled to damages. The Court ordered Sevier to pay Holmes the amount of the purchase price that had not yet been paid.

In Holmes v. Sevier, the Supreme Court was asked to decide whether a state court could issue an injunction against a federal officer for failing to perform his official duties. The majority opinion held that such an action would be unconstitutional because it would interfere with the exclusive power of Congress over matters concerning national defense and foreign affairs. Justice Field dissented from this decision, arguing that states have concurrent powers in certain areas, including those related to public safety and health. He argued that when there is no conflict between state and federal laws or regulations on these issues, then states should be allowed to take whatever measures are necessary for their citizens' protection without interference from the federal government. Furthermore, he argued that if Congress had intended otherwise they would have explicitly stated so in legislation or regulation; since they did not do so here it was inappropriate for the Court to make such a ruling on its own authority.