Oaksmith's Lessee v. Johnston was a United States Supreme Court case that dealt with the issue of whether a tenant in possession of a property had the right to bring a suit against the landlord for damages. The tenant, Oaksmith, had leased a property from Johnston and had been in possession of the property for several years. During that time, Johnston had made several improvements to the property, including the construction of a new house. Oaksmith then brought a suit against Johnston, claiming that Johnston had failed to make the necessary repairs to the property and that he was entitled to damages for the resulting loss of value. The Supreme Court held that Oaksmith had the right to bring a suit against Johnston for damages. The Court reasoned that since Oaksmith was in possession of the property, he had the right to bring a suit against Johnston for any damages that he had suffered as a result of Johnston's failure to make the necessary repairs. The Court also noted that Oaksmith had a vested interest in the property and that he was entitled to seek damages for any losses that he had suffered as a result of Johnston's negligence.

In Oakesmith's Lessee v. Johnston, the Supreme Court was tasked with determining whether a tenant of land could bring an action against another tenant for trespass and damages caused by the latter’s use of the property. The majority opinion held that such an action could not be brought because it would interfere with the landlord’s right to possession and control over his own estate. Justice Field dissented from this decision, arguing that tenants should have a right to sue each other in order to protect their respective interests in leased property. He reasoned that allowing tenants to bring suit against one another would help ensure fair treatment between them without infringing upon any rights belonging exclusively to landlords or interfering with their ability to manage their estates as they see fit. Furthermore, he argued that denying tenants this right would leave them vulnerable and unable to seek redress when wronged by fellow lessees on leased premises.