The United States Supreme Court case of 86 U.S. 513 involved a dispute between the United States and the State of Georgia over the ownership of certain lands in the state. The United States claimed that the lands were part of the public domain and that the state had no right to them. The state argued that the lands were part of its territory and that it had the right to control them. The Supreme Court held that the United States had the right to the lands, as they were part of the public domain. The Court also held that the state had no right to the lands, as they were not part of its territory. The Court further held that the United States had the right to control the lands, as they were part of the public domain. The Court also held that the state had no right to interfere with the United States' control of the lands. This decision was a major victory for the United States in its efforts to protect the public domain.

In the case of United States v. Realty Company, a majority opinion was issued by the Supreme Court that held that when an individual is appointed as receiver for a corporation, they are not liable to creditors for any debts incurred prior to their appointment. In his dissenting opinion, Justice Field argued that receivers should be held accountable and responsible for all debts incurred during their tenure in office. He reasoned that if this were not so then it would create an incentive for individuals to take on such roles without regard or responsibility towards those who had lent money to the company before them. Furthermore, he argued that allowing receivers immunity from liability could lead to fraud and abuse since there would be no one with authority over them who could hold them accountable or punish any misdeeds committed while in office. Ultimately, Justice Field concluded by stating his belief that Congress never intended such broad protection from liability when creating laws regarding corporate receiverships and thus urged caution against granting too much power with too little accountability in these matters.