In the case of Henry F. Turner, James F. Purvis and Sterling Thomas v Joseph C. Yates, the plaintiffs in error argued that they had been wrongfully convicted by a jury for rioting and disturbing public peace during an election campaign in Georgia. The Supreme Court found that although there was evidence to support their conviction, it was not sufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that they were guilty of the charges against them as required by law at the time. Furthermore, certain instructions given to jurors during deliberations were deemed improper and prejudicial towards defendants which could have influenced their decision-making process leading to an unjust verdict being reached against them. As such, the court reversed their convictions on appeal due to insufficient evidence presented at trial and errors made by presiding judge when instructing jurors prior to deliberation on this matter

In the case of Henry F. Turner, James F. Purvis, and Sterling Thomas v Joseph C. Yates, the plaintiffs argued that they were entitled to a writ of error from the Supreme Court due to an alleged violation of their constitutional rights by Yates in his capacity as sheriff for Bibb County in Georgia. The majority opinion held that no such right existed under existing law; however, Justice McLean dissented on this point and argued that there was indeed a right to appeal any decision which violated one's constitutional rights or privileges as citizens of the United States. He further asserted that if such appeals were not allowed then it would be impossible for individuals who felt wronged by state laws or decisions made by local officials to obtain justice through federal courts since these matters could only be heard at state level where bias may exist against them due to their race or other factors beyond their control. In conclusion he stated his belief that allowing individuals access to federal court when faced with violations of their constitutional rights was essential for ensuring equal protection under law regardless of race or social status