State of Alabama v. State of Texas

347 U.S. 950 (1954)

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State of Alabama v. State of Texas

United States Supreme Court
347 U.S. 950 (1954)

AR

Facts

Alabama (plaintiff) challenged the constitutionality of the Submerged Lands Act of 1953. The act purported to convey to states “the lands beneath navigable waters” and the “natural resources within such land and waters” within their borders, but retained for the United States the power to regulate those waters for “commerce, navigation, national defense, and international affairs.” A coastal state’s borders extended at least three miles into the ocean. Alabama argued that the act was unfair and resulted in a loss of national security.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Per curiam)

Concurrence (Reed, J.)

Dissent (Douglas, J.)

Dissent (Black, J.)

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