The Star was a case heard by the United States Supreme Court in 1818. The claimants, Dickenon et al., argued that they had been wrongfully denied compensation for their services on board the ship Star. They claimed that they were entitled to wages and other benefits as provided under maritime law. The court ultimately ruled against them, finding that there was no legal basis for their claims of entitlement to such payments or benefits. In its ruling, the court stated that it could not recognize any right of action based solely on an implied contract between parties who had never entered into a formal agreement regarding payment or benefit entitlements. This decision established precedent which has since been used in cases involving similar disputes over maritime contracts and obligations.

In The Star, the Supreme Court was asked to decide whether a ship called The Star had been legally captured by an American privateer during the War of 1812. A majority of justices held that it had not been lawfully taken and ordered restitution for its owners. However, Justice Story dissented from this opinion on two grounds: firstly, he argued that under international law at the time, any vessel found in enemy waters could be seized as a prize; secondly, he contended that even if there were some doubt about this point of law then the claimants should have provided more evidence to support their case before they could expect compensation. In conclusion, Justice Story believed that The Star's capture was lawful and no restitution should be paid out.