In the case of Gray P. Webb and Others v. John Den, Lessee of Polly Weatherhead, the Supreme Court was asked to decide whether a lessee could be held liable for damages caused by an act that violated their lease agreement. The plaintiffs argued that they were entitled to compensation from Den because he had cut down trees on land leased from them without permission in violation of his lease agreement with them. The court found in favor of the plaintiffs and ruled that a tenant can indeed be held responsible for any damage or injury resulting from acts which violate their lease agreement even if those acts are not specifically prohibited by law or statute. Furthermore, it was determined that tenants must pay reasonable compensation for such damages as well as any costs associated with restoring the property back to its original condition prior to being damaged by said tenant's actions.

In this case, the Supreme Court was asked to decide whether a deed of conveyance from Polly Weatherhead to John Den had been properly executed. The majority opinion held that the deed was valid and enforceable because it had been signed by both parties in front of two witnesses who attested to its validity. However, Justice McLean dissented on the grounds that there were no facts presented which showed that either party intended for the deed to be binding or effective at law. He argued that without such evidence, it could not be assumed with certainty that either party meant for their signatures on the document to create any legal obligations between them. Furthermore, he noted that even if they did intend for their agreement to be legally binding, there was still insufficient proof as required by state law showing proper execution of a contract in order for it to have any effect under common law principles. Therefore, Justice McLean concluded his dissent by arguing against enforcing what he believed would amount an invalid transaction due lack of sufficient evidence proving intent and proper execution accordingto applicable laws