John Maxwell, Administrator de bonis non of Robert Maxwell, deceased (Maxwell), appealed a decision by the Circuit Court for the District of Columbia in favor of Joseph S. Kennedy and others (Kennedy). The dispute revolved around an agreement between Robert Maxwell and Kennedy that was made prior to Robert's death. According to this agreement, Kennedy had purchased from Robert certain real estate located in Washington D.C., with a promise to pay him $2,000 at some point after his death. After he passed away without receiving payment for the property, John Maxwell as administrator sought compensation on behalf of his late brother’s estate from Kennedy and other defendants named in the suit. However, upon appeal it was determined that no legal action could be taken against any defendant since they were not legally bound by any contract or obligation due to their lack of knowledge about said agreement until after its execution when it became voidable under law due to being made without consideration or mutuality between parties involved; thus resulting in dismissal of all claims brought forth by John Maxwell on behalf of his brother’s estate against those named defendants.

In the dissenting opinion of John Maxwell, Administrator De Bonis Non of Robert Maxwell, deceased v. Joseph S. Kennedy et al., Justice McLean argued that the court should have reversed a judgment from an earlier case in which it was determined that Robert had no right to certain property he claimed as his own. He believed that there were sufficient facts presented by both parties to prove their respective claims and thus the lower court's decision should be overturned so each party could receive what they deserved according to law. Furthermore, he noted how this particular case was complicated due to its long history and various legal issues involved; therefore, it would not be fair for either side if one party received all of the disputed property without any consideration given for other factors such as possession or title rights held by another person or entity prior to Robert's death. In conclusion, Justice McLean felt strongly that justice required reversing the lower court’s ruling so each party could receive what they rightfully deserved under applicable laws at hand.