The U.S. Supreme Court case Muhlker v. New York and Harlem Railroad Company in 1904 revolved around the issue of eminent domain, specifically whether a railroad company could be compelled to pay for property it had taken without proper compensation. The plaintiff, Muhlker, owned land that was seized by the New York and Harlem Railroad Company for construction purposes under their right of eminent domain granted by state law. However, Muhlker argued that he was not adequately compensated for his property as required by the Fifth Amendment's Takings Clause which states private property cannot be taken for public use without just compensation. The court ruled in favor of the railroad company stating that they were acting within their rights under state law when they took possession of Muhlker’s land and constructed a railway line on it; hence no federal question arose from this action since there was no denial or infringement upon any title, right or privilege secured by Federal Constitution or laws to complainant.

The dissenting opinion in the case of Muhlker v. New York and Harlem Railroad Company argued that the railroad company should not be held liable for damages caused by a landslide on its property, which damaged neighboring properties. The dissenting justices believed that there was no evidence to suggest negligence on part of the railroad company. They contended that it was an act of nature, specifically heavy rainfall, which led to the landslide and subsequent damage - something beyond human control or prediction. Therefore, they felt it unjust to hold the company financially responsible for such unforeseen natural events.