Sexton v. Wheaton and Wife was a case heard by the United States Supreme Court in 1823. The dispute arose when Sexton, who had purchased land from the State of North Carolina, sought to recover damages for trespass committed on his property by Wheaton and his wife. In their defense, they argued that they were tenants of the former owner of the land prior to its sale to Sexton and thus had an implied right to remain on it until such time as they received notice from either party that their tenancy was terminated or otherwise disturbed. The court held in favor of Sexton, finding that he did not have any obligation under law or equity to give notice before taking possession since there was no agreement between him and Wheatons regarding occupancy rights after purchase; thereforeWheatons' claim failed because they could not prove any legal basis for remaining on the premises without permission from either party involved in the transaction.

In Sexton v. Wheaton and Wife, the Supreme Court was asked to decide whether a deed of trust executed by William Sexton in favor of John Wheaton and his wife was valid. The majority opinion held that it was not because the deed did not contain an express declaration that it would be binding on Sexton's heirs or assigns. However, Justice Johnson dissented from this ruling, arguing that such a declaration should have been implied due to the nature of deeds of trust which are intended to secure payment for debts owed by one party to another. He further argued that since there had been no fraud or misrepresentation involved in executing the deed, its validity should be upheld regardless of any technical defects in its wording. Ultimately, he concluded that if parties intend their agreements to bind future generations then they must make sure those intentions are clearly expressed within them so as not to leave room for doubt or dispute later on down the line.