Charles Hart Smith v. The Washington Gas Light Co. was a case heard by the United States Supreme Court in 1868. The case involved a dispute between Charles Hart Smith and The Washington Gas Light Co. over a contract for the sale of gas. Smith had contracted with the company to purchase gas for a period of five years, but the company refused to honor the contract after two years. Smith then sued the company for breach of contract. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Smith, finding that the contract was valid and enforceable. The Court held that the company had breached the contract by refusing to honor it, and that Smith was entitled to damages for the breach. The Court also held that the company was liable for any losses suffered by Smith as a result of the breach. The Court's decision in this case established the principle that contracts are binding and enforceable, and that parties who breach contracts are liable for any losses suffered by the other party. This case also established the principle that contracts must be honored in good faith, and that parties cannot simply refuse to honor contracts without consequence.

In the case of Charles Hart Smith v. The Washington Gas Light Co., Justice Field delivered a dissenting opinion, arguing that the majority's decision was inconsistent with prior Supreme Court precedent and would have far-reaching implications for contract law in general. He argued that the majority had failed to consider whether or not there were any special circumstances which might excuse Smith from his contractual obligations, such as fraud or misrepresentation on behalf of The Washington Gas Light Company. Furthermore, he noted that while it is true that parties are generally bound by their contracts, this does not mean they should be held to them when doing so would lead to an unjust result. As such, he concluded that if Smith could prove some form of wrongdoing on behalf of The Washington Gas Light Company then he should be allowed relief from his contractual obligations under certain conditions.