The Java was a case heard by the United States Supreme Court in 1871. The case involved a dispute between the owners of the Java, a ship, and the owners of the cargo it was carrying. The cargo owners had sued the ship owners for damages caused by the ship's negligence. The Supreme Court held that the ship owners were liable for the damages, as they had failed to exercise due care in the navigation of the ship. The Court also held that the ship owners were liable for the costs of the cargo owners' lawsuit, as they had failed to provide a reasonable defense. The Court further held that the ship owners were liable for the costs of the cargo owners' attorneys' fees, as they had failed to provide a reasonable defense. The Court also held that the ship owners were liable for the costs of the cargo owners' attorneys' fees, as they had failed to provide a reasonable defense. The Court's decision established the principle that ship owners are liable for damages caused by their negligence, and that they must provide a reasonable defense in order to avoid liability.

In The Java, the Supreme Court was tasked with deciding whether a ship that had been seized by the United States government during the Civil War could be sold to satisfy unpaid taxes. In an 8-1 decision, Justice Field wrote a dissenting opinion arguing that Congress did not have authority to pass such legislation and thus it should not be enforced. He argued that while Congress has broad powers over taxation and collection of revenue, they do not extend so far as to allow for seizure of property in order to pay off debts owed by private citizens or corporations. Furthermore, he noted that if this power were allowed then it would open up many opportunities for abuse on behalf of those in power who might seek personal gain from seizing other people's property without due process or just compensation. Ultimately, Justice Field concluded his dissent by stating "the right which is here asserted cannot exist under our Constitution."