Shaw v. Railroad Company is a United States Supreme Court case that was decided in 1879. The case involved a dispute between a railroad company and a landowner, Mr. Shaw. The railroad company had built a track across Shaw's land without his permission. Shaw sued the railroad company for trespass and damages. The Supreme Court held that the railroad company was liable for trespass and damages. The Court reasoned that the railroad company had not obtained Shaw's permission to build the track, and that the track had caused damage to Shaw's land. The Court also held that the railroad company was liable for the damages caused by the track, even though the track had been built in good faith. The Court's decision in Shaw v. Railroad Company established that a railroad company must obtain permission from a landowner before building a track across their land. The decision also established that a railroad company is liable for damages caused by the track, even if the track was built in good faith.

Justice Field delivered the dissenting opinion in Shaw v. Railroad Company, arguing that the majority had failed to consider a key issue: whether or not Congress had intended for state courts to have jurisdiction over cases involving interstate railroads. He argued that while it was true that Congress did not explicitly grant such authority, they also did not deny it either; thus, he believed there was no clear indication of congressional intent on this matter and so state courts should be allowed to exercise their traditional powers in these types of cases. Furthermore, Justice Field noted how allowing states to hear such matters would provide greater access for plaintiffs who may otherwise be unable to afford costly litigation at the federal level due to financial constraints. Ultimately, he concluded by asserting that if Congress wanted exclusive jurisdiction over railroad disputes then they should make it explicit rather than leaving any ambiguity as is currently present with regards to this issue.