Vanstophorst et al. v. The State of Maryland was a Supreme Court case that was decided in 1819. The case involved a dispute between the Vanstophorst family and the State of Maryland over a piece of land that the Vanstophorsts had purchased from the state. The Vanstophorsts argued that the state had not provided them with a valid title to the land, and that they were therefore entitled to a refund of the purchase price. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favor of the Vanstophorsts, finding that the state had failed to provide them with a valid title and that they were therefore entitled to a refund. The Court also held that the state was liable for any damages that the Vanstophorsts had suffered as a result of the state's failure to provide them with a valid title. This case established the principle that the state is liable for any damages that it causes to individuals as a result of its failure to fulfill its obligations.