In the Williams v. Parker case of 1902, the U.S Supreme Court ruled on a dispute involving land ownership in Florida. The plaintiff, Williams, claimed that he had purchased land from an individual who had received it through a Spanish grant before Florida became part of the United States. However, this claim was disputed by Parker and others who argued they were rightful owners due to their purchase from a state-appointed trustee following bankruptcy proceedings against previous owners. The court held that under international law principles adopted by Congress when Florida was acquired from Spain in 1821, any valid Spanish grants made prior to July 17th, 1821 would be recognized as legitimate property rights. Therefore if William's claim about his predecessor's title originating from such a grant could be proven true then he would have superior right over those claiming under subsequent purchasers or trustees. However upon examining evidence presented during trial regarding authenticity and validity of said Spanish Grant; Justice Edward Douglas White writing for majority found them insufficient and unconvincing hence ruling against Williams' claims thus favoring defendants (Parker et al). This decision reinforced principle that burden of proof lies with party asserting existence & legitimacy of ancient foreign grants while dealing with American Land Titles.

In the dissenting opinion for Williams v. Parker, it was argued that the majority's decision to uphold a tax sale of property without proper notice to the owner violated due process rights under the Fourteenth Amendment. The dissent contended that while states have broad powers in imposing and collecting taxes, they must still respect constitutional protections such as due process when doing so. In this case, sending a notice about unpaid taxes and impending sale to an incorrect address did not constitute adequate notification or opportunity for redress before depriving someone of their property. This failure undermined fundamental fairness and justice principles inherent in due process guarantees, thereby making any subsequent tax sale invalid from a constitutional standpoint.