The Justices v. Murray was a case heard by the United States Supreme Court in 1869. The case involved a dispute between the Justices of the Supreme Court and William Murray, a former clerk of the court. Murray had been dismissed from his position as clerk in 1867, and he subsequently sued the Justices for back pay. The Justices argued that they were not liable for Murray's back pay because he had been dismissed for cause. Murray argued that he had been dismissed without cause and that he was entitled to back pay. The Supreme Court ultimately sided with Murray, ruling that the Justices were liable for his back pay. The Court held that the Justices had acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner in dismissing Murray without cause. The Justices v. Murray was an important case in that it established the principle that the Justices of the Supreme Court are not above the law and must act in accordance with the law. The case also established that the Justices must act in a fair and reasonable manner when making decisions. The ruling in this case has been cited in numerous subsequent cases involving the Justices of the Supreme Court.

In The Justices v. Murray, the Supreme Court was asked to decide whether a state court could issue an injunction against federal officers in order to prevent them from executing their duties under federal law. In a 5-4 decision, the majority held that such injunctions were not permissible and that states had no power to interfere with or impede the execution of federal laws by federal officers. Justice Field dissented on behalf of four justices, arguing that while it is true that states cannot pass laws which conflict with those passed by Congress, they are still permitted to use equitable remedies like injunctions when necessary for protecting citizens' rights under both state and federal law. He argued further that since there was no express prohibition in either the Constitution or any act of Congress preventing states from issuing such orders against executive officers acting pursuant to their duty as prescribed by law, then it should be assumed they have this authority unless specifically prohibited otherwise.