The Schooner Jane v. The United States was a case heard by the Supreme Court in 1813. It involved a dispute between the owners of the schooner, Jane, and the United States government over whether or not certain goods had been legally imported into Philadelphia from France without paying customs duties. The court ruled that while it was true that no duty had been paid on these goods when they were brought into port, this did not necessarily mean that their importation violated any laws since there was no proof of fraud or intent to defraud on behalf of either party. Furthermore, even if such an act had occurred, it would have only constituted a misdemeanor rather than a felony which is what would be necessary for forfeiture under US law at the time. As such, ownership of these goods remained with those who originally purchased them and thus could not be seized by federal authorities as part of any criminal investigation or prosecution against either party involved in this case.

In The Schooner Jane v. The United States, the Supreme Court was asked to decide whether a vessel captured by the French during an armed conflict between France and Great Britain could be considered a lawful prize of war under international law. Justice Story delivered the dissenting opinion in which he argued that while it is true that vessels belonging to either belligerent may lawfully be taken as prizes of war, this does not extend to neutral vessels such as those owned by citizens of the United States. He noted that if such captures were allowed, then any nation at war with another would have free reign over all neutral ships on the high seas regardless of their nationality or ownership status. As such, Justice Story concluded that allowing these captures would lead to great injustice and should not be permitted under international law.