In Ziegler v. Hopkins, the Supreme Court of the United States was asked to decide whether a contract between two parties was valid and enforceable. The contract in question was between a railroad company and a contractor, and it provided that the contractor would build a bridge for the railroad company. The contractor had completed the bridge, but the railroad company refused to pay the contractor for his work. The contractor then sued the railroad company for breach of contract. The Supreme Court held that the contract was valid and enforceable. The Court found that the contract was clear and unambiguous, and that the contractor had performed all of his obligations under the contract. The Court also found that the railroad company had breached the contract by refusing to pay the contractor for his work. As a result, the Court held that the contractor was entitled to damages for the breach of contract. The Court's decision in Ziegler v. Hopkins established that contracts are binding and enforceable, and that parties who breach contracts are liable for damages. This decision has been cited in numerous subsequent cases, and it remains an important precedent in contract law.

In the case of Zeigler v. Hopkins, Justice Field delivered a dissenting opinion in which he argued that the majority had failed to consider certain facts and evidence presented by both parties. He noted that while it was true that the defendant had not paid for his services as an attorney, there were other factors at play such as whether or not he was entitled to compensation under state law and if so, how much should be awarded. Furthermore, Justice Field argued that even though the plaintiff may have been negligent in failing to collect payment from his client prior to filing suit against him, this did not necessarily mean he could not recover any damages due him since negligence is only one factor when determining liability. Ultimately, Justice Field concluded that more consideration needed to be given before deciding on a final ruling and thus dissented from the majority's decision.