The Gran Para was a case heard by the US Supreme Court in 1825. It concerned the Portuguese Consul General's claim to salvage rights for his country over a wrecked ship, The Gran Para. At issue was whether Portugal had jurisdiction over the wreck and if so, what compensation should be paid to them for their efforts in salvaging it. The court ultimately ruled that Portugal did have jurisdiction but that they were not entitled to any compensation due to lack of evidence showing their involvement with the vessel prior to its sinking or during its recovery process. This decision established an important precedent regarding international law and maritime salvage rights which is still relevant today.

In The Gran Para, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Portugal and its consul general. However, Justice Story dissented from this opinion. He argued that the United States had a duty to protect foreign vessels within their waters and should not be held liable for damages caused by private individuals or entities. Furthermore, he believed that any claims against such vessels should be brought before a court of admiralty rather than an American court as was done in this case. Additionally, Story contended that it would have been more appropriate for Portugal to seek redress through diplomatic channels instead of resorting to litigation in an American court since there were no applicable laws governing these types of disputes at the time. Ultimately, he concluded that while Portugal may have suffered some losses due to the actions taken by private citizens or entities on US soil, they could not hold America accountable under international law nor did they provide sufficient evidence demonstrating how those losses occurred as a result of US negligence or misconduct.