In Miller v. Stewart and Others, the Supreme Court of the United States heard a case involving an appeal from a decision by the Circuit Court for Washington County in Maryland. The plaintiff, John Miller, had brought suit against William Stewart and others to recover damages for trespass on his land. The defendants argued that they were entitled to use part of Miller's land as it was necessary for their own property rights under an act passed by Congress in 1820 which allowed them access to certain lands owned by individuals who held title prior to 1796. The Supreme Court found that while Congress did have authority over public lands within its jurisdiction, it could not pass laws affecting private property without due process or compensation being provided first. As such, they ruled in favor of Miller and ordered restitution be paid out accordingly.

In Miller v. Stewart and Others, Chief Justice John Marshall delivered the dissenting opinion of the Supreme Court. He argued that a state court had no authority to interfere with an act of Congress concerning land grants in Georgia. The majority decision held that since the grant was made before Georgia became a state, it was not subject to regulation by its laws or courts; however, Marshall disagreed and believed that such interference would be unconstitutional as it violated Article IV Section 3 of the Constitution which states “The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to United States”. Furthermore, he argued that if this power were denied then any law passed by Congress could be nullified at will by individual states without recourse from federal authorities. In conclusion, Marshall asserted his belief in upholding congressional supremacy over matters involving federal lands regardless of when they were granted so long as they are within US jurisdiction