The U.S. Supreme Court case Work, Secretary of the Interior v. United States ex rel. Lynn, Guardian of Lasley revolved around an Osage Indian allottee who was deemed incompetent by law and had a guardian appointed to manage his property affairs. The issue at hand was whether or not the Secretary of the Interior had authority under existing laws to lease oil-rich lands belonging to this individual without obtaining consent from either him or his legal guardian first. The court ruled in favor of the defendant (the United States), stating that Congress did grant such power to the Secretary through legislation designed specifically for protection and control over Native American properties - particularly those owned by individuals considered legally incapable due their status as minors or incompetents.

In the dissenting opinion for Work v. United States ex rel. Lynn, Justice McReynolds disagreed with the majority's interpretation of Congress' intent in passing legislation related to oil and gas leases on Osage Indian lands. He argued that Congress intended to protect the interests of individual tribe members by requiring Secretary approval for any lease extension beyond ten years, not just initial leasing agreements as determined by the majority ruling. According to him, this requirement was designed specifically to safeguard against potential exploitation or disadvantageous terms in long-term contracts which could negatively impact tribal members who may lack understanding or experience in such matters. Therefore, he believed that a lease extension without explicit approval from the Secretary should be considered invalid under law.