In the case of Raymond v. Thomas, the Supreme Court of the United States was asked to decide whether a contract between two parties was valid and enforceable. The contract in question was between a man named Raymond and a woman named Thomas. Raymond had agreed to pay Thomas a certain sum of money in exchange for her services as a housekeeper. Thomas had performed the services as agreed, but Raymond had failed to pay her the agreed-upon sum. The Supreme Court held that the contract was valid and enforceable. The Court noted that the contract was made in good faith and that Thomas had performed her part of the agreement. The Court also noted that Raymond had not provided any evidence that the contract was invalid or unenforceable. Therefore, the Court held that Raymond was obligated to pay Thomas the agreed-upon sum.

Justice Field delivered the dissenting opinion in Raymond v. Thomas, arguing that the majority had failed to consider a key issue of law. He argued that under California's Civil Code, an executor was not liable for debts incurred by his predecessor unless he expressly assumed them or acted as if they were his own. In this case, there was no evidence that Thomas had done either of these things and thus should not be held responsible for any debt owed by Raymond prior to taking office as executor. Furthermore, Field noted that even if it could be established that Thomas did assume responsibility for such debts when he took office, then those obligations would have been extinguished upon Raymond's death since creditors cannot pursue claims against deceased persons' estates after their death has occurred. Therefore, Justice Field concluded that the lower court ruling should stand and Thomas should not be held liable for any debt incurred by Raymond before assuming office as executor.