In the case of McElroy v. United States in 1896, the U.S Supreme Court ruled on a matter involving maritime law and salvage rights. The dispute arose when two vessels, one American (the "McElroy") and one British (the "Industrie"), both attempted to salvage a third vessel that was stranded near Cape Fear, North Carolina. Both ships claimed they had provided assistance to the distressed ship and were therefore entitled to compensation under international maritime law which allows for such claims by those who voluntarily save another's property at sea from loss or damage. The lower court initially awarded full salvage rights solely to the crew of Industrie based on their claim that they arrived first at the scene and provided significant aid in saving the distressed vessel. However, upon appeal by McElroy’s crew members claiming partial credit for assisting with rescue efforts after arriving later at site but before completion of operation; it reached Supreme Court. The Supreme Court reversed this decision stating that even though Industrie arrived first & initiated operations doesn’t mean others who contributed significantly can be denied their rightful share as per Salvage Law principles - proportionate distribution based on contribution towards successful salvaging operation. Thus ruling emphasized importance of cooperation over competition during emergency situations like these while also upholding fairness principle within Maritime Law framework.

In the dissenting opinion for McElroy v. United States, Justice Harlan argued that the majority's decision was a misinterpretation of the law and an overreach of federal power. He contended that under common law principles, it is not within Congress' authority to punish crimes committed on foreign vessels in international waters unless they directly affect American interests or citizens. In this case, he believed there was no evidence to suggest such direct harm had occurred. Therefore, he disagreed with the court's ruling which upheld McElroy's conviction for murder committed aboard a U.S.-owned whaling vessel in international waters off Alaska’s coast. According to him, while Congress has broad powers to regulate commerce and protect American interests abroad, these powers do not extend so far as allowing them jurisdiction over all actions taken on U.S.-owned ships regardless of their location or impact on America itself.