In the 1896 case of In re Chapman, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on a matter concerning contempt of court and constitutional rights. The petitioner, Chapman, was held in contempt by a lower court for refusing to answer certain questions during grand jury proceedings about his personal affairs and business transactions. He argued that answering these questions would incriminate him, thus violating his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. However, the Supreme Court disagreed with this argument stating that he could not refuse to answer all questions categorically but needed to object specifically based on potential self-incrimination per question asked. Therefore, it upheld the decision of the lower court holding him in contempt for refusing to testify before a grand jury.

The dissenting opinion in the case of In re Chapman, 1896, was delivered by Justice Harlan. He disagreed with the majority's decision to uphold a law that made it illegal for any person or corporation to transport lottery tickets across state lines. Justice Harlan argued that this federal statute infringed upon states' rights and exceeded Congress's power under the Commerce Clause of the Constitution. He believed that each state should have autonomy over its own moral regulations and economic affairs without interference from federal legislation unless absolutely necessary for national welfare. Furthermore, he contended that if such laws were allowed to stand, they could potentially lead to an abuse of power where Congress might regulate other aspects of morality or personal behavior under the guise of regulating commerce.