The Levy Court of Washington County, in the District of Columbia brought a case against Tench Ringgold, Esq., Marshal of the District of Columbia. The court argued that they had been wrongfully denied access to certain documents and records related to their duties as an elected body. They sought damages for this denial from Ringgold. In response, Ringgold claimed he was acting on behalf of Congress and thus could not be held liable for his actions. The Supreme Court ultimately sided with the Levy Court ruling that while Congress may have authorized him to deny them access it did not absolve him from liability if he acted beyond his authority or abused his discretion in doing so. This decision established precedent protecting local governments from arbitrary interference by federal agents when exercising their rights under state law or constitution.

In the case of The Levy Court of Washington County, in the District of Columbia vs. Tench Ringgold, Esq., Marshal of the District of Columbia, Justice McLean wrote a dissenting opinion arguing that Congress had exclusive authority to determine how funds should be allocated for public works projects within the District. He argued that while it was true that Congress had delegated some powers to local governments in D.C., they did not have any power over taxation or appropriation and thus could not legally impose taxes on citizens without Congressional approval. Furthermore, he argued that if such an act were allowed then it would set a dangerous precedent as other states may attempt similar acts which would lead to chaos and confusion regarding who has jurisdiction over what matters within each state's borders. In conclusion, Justice McLean believed that only Congress had legal authority when it came to taxation and appropriations in D.C..