The Steamer St. Lawrence case was a dispute between Meyer et al., the claimants, and Tupper et al., the libellants. The claimants argued that they were entitled to compensation for damages caused by an accident involving their vessel, while the libellants claimed that they had been wrongfully deprived of possession of said vessel due to negligence on behalf of its owners. After considering both sides' arguments, the Supreme Court found in favor of the claimants and ordered them to be paid $2,000 in damages plus costs incurred during litigation. Furthermore, it ruled that any further claims should be brought before a court with jurisdiction over maritime law matters as opposed to being heard by a district court which lacked such authority at this time. Ultimately this decision set an important precedent regarding who has jurisdiction when disputes arise concerning vessels navigating U.S waters or those belonging to American citizens abroad

In the dissenting opinion of this case, Justice Grier argued that the Steamboat St. Lawrence was not liable for damages to cargo owners due to a collision with another vessel because it had been sold by its original owner and was no longer under his control at the time of the accident. He reasoned that since there is no evidence in law or equity which would hold an individual responsible for acts committed after they have relinquished ownership, then neither should a court impose liability on someone who has already given up possession of their property. Furthermore, he noted that even if one were to assume responsibility for such actions, it could only be done through contract between two parties and not through any legal principle or statute. Therefore, he concluded that since there was no contractual agreement between the former owner and those claiming damages from him regarding liabilities arising out of accidents involving his former vessel; therefore he cannot be held accountable in this instance either legally or equitably.