Sumner et al. v. Hicks et al., was a United States Supreme Court case that addressed the issue of whether or not an individual state could pass legislation to limit the rights of African Americans in regards to their freedom and ability to travel between states. The court ruled that such laws were unconstitutional, as they violated the Privileges and Immunities Clause of Article IV, Section 2 of the U.S Constitution which protects citizens from being discriminated against by other states when traveling within them for business or pleasure purposes. This ruling set a precedent for future cases involving similar issues regarding civil liberties and interstate commerce, ultimately affirming that all citizens have equal protection under federal law regardless of race or origin.

In the case of Sumner et al. v Hicks et al., the dissenting opinion argued that a state court had no jurisdiction to issue an injunction against federal officers acting in their official capacity, as it was beyond its authority and violated Article III of the Constitution. The dissent further argued that Congress has exclusive power over all matters relating to federal officers, including those concerning their duties and powers. Furthermore, any attempt by a state court to interfere with or restrain such actions would be unconstitutional and void under Article III's Supremacy Clause. Finally, the dissent noted that even if there were some form of legal action available for citizens aggrieved by acts committed by federal officials while performing their duties, this should not be done through a state court but rather through Congress itself or other appropriate means provided for in law.