In the case of Louisiana v. Mississippi in 1905, the U.S Supreme Court was tasked with resolving a boundary dispute between the two states. The disagreement arose over an area known as South Pass, located at the mouth of the Mississippi River where it empties into the Gulf of Mexico. Both states claimed jurisdiction over this territory due to its strategic importance for navigation and commerce. After considering historical documents and treaties dating back to colonial times, including those from France and Spain who had previously controlled these territories before they became part of United States, as well as previous decisions by Congress regarding state boundaries along navigable rivers, Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes delivered a unanimous decision on behalf of court that upheld Mississippi's claim to South Pass based on historical precedent and legal principles governing territorial disputes among states within federal system.

In the dissenting opinion for Louisiana v. Mississippi, Justice Harlan argued that the majority's decision to dismiss Louisiana's claim was premature and inappropriate. He contended that it was not within the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction to decide whether or not a state had title over certain lands; rather, this should be determined by a trial in court where evidence could be presented and evaluated. Furthermore, he believed that dismissing Louisiana's case without allowing them an opportunity to present their claims violated principles of fairness and justice. In his view, every state has equal rights under the Constitution and is entitled to have its legal disputes heard before being dismissed outright by any judicial authority.