The United States v. Patterson was a Supreme Court case in which the defendant, William Patterson, had been indicted for murder on board of an American vessel while at sea. The court held that the crime committed by Patterson fell within the jurisdiction of both state and federal courts as it occurred on a ship belonging to citizens of the United States and sailing under its flag. Furthermore, they found that Congress has authority to define crimes committed on vessels owned by U.S citizens and flying its flag; thus making such offenses punishable under federal law regardless if they would be considered criminal acts in any particular state or not. This decision established precedent for future cases involving maritime crimes occurring outside territorial waters but still subject to U.S jurisdiction due to their connection with American ships or persons involved in them

The United States v. Patterson was a case in which the Supreme Court had to decide whether or not Congress had the power to pass laws that would punish those who committed crimes against Native Americans on their own land. The majority opinion held that Congress did have this power, but Justice Johnson dissented from this decision and argued that it was unconstitutional for Congress to exercise such authority over Native American lands without first obtaining consent from the tribes themselves. He believed that any law passed by Congress should be limited only to those areas where they were expressly granted jurisdiction by treaty or other agreement with Indian nations. Furthermore, he argued that if such a law were allowed, it could lead to further encroachments upon tribal sovereignty and ultimately result in their subjugation under federal control. In conclusion, Justice Johnson's dissent highlighted his belief in protecting tribal autonomy and preserving their rights as independent nations within our nation's borders.