The York and Cumberland Railroad Company brought a case against John G. Myers in the Supreme Court of the United States. The company argued that it had been granted an easement by Pennsylvania to build its railroad on certain lands, including those owned by Myers. However, Myers refused to allow them access and instead sued for trespass when they attempted to enter his property without permission. The Supreme Court held that while the state could grant such an easement, it did not have authority over private land owners like Myers who were not parties to the agreement between Pennsylvania and the railroad company; thus, he was within his rights as a landowner in refusing entry onto his property without consent or compensation from him first. As such, they ruled in favor of Myers and dismissed all claims made against him by the railroad company

In the case of The York and Cumberland Railroad Company v. John G. Myers, the dissenting opinion was that a railroad company should not be allowed to take private property for public use without just compensation being paid to the owner. The majority opinion held that since there had been no actual physical taking of property by the railroad company, they were not required to pay any compensation for it; however, this did not account for how much value would be lost due to their construction project running through or near someone's land. Justice McLean argued in dissent that even if there was no physical taking of property, an individual still has a right to receive fair market value when their land is used in such a way as it affects its potential uses and values going forward. He further stated that while eminent domain laws may allow governments or companies like railroads certain rights over private lands with regards to public projects, those same entities must also provide adequate recompense so as not protect individuals from unjust losses caused by these activities.