Coffee v. Groover

Citations

• 123 U.S. 1
• 8 S. Ct. 1
• 31 L. Ed. 51
• 1887 U.S. LEXIS 2142

Syllabus

<p>ERROR TO THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA.</p> <p>Krauts of land made by a government, in territory over -which it exercises political jurisdiction de facto, but which does not rightfully belong to it. are invalid as against the government to which the territory rightfully belongs. .</p> <p>Where a disputed boundary between two states is adjusted and settled, grants previously made by either state, of lands claimed by it, and over which it exercised political jurisdiction, but which, on the adjustment of the boundary, are found to be within the territory of the other state, are void, unless confirmed by the latter stat e; and such confirmation cannot affect the titles of the same lands previously granted by the latter state itself.</p> <p>The. boundary between Georgia and Florida was long in dispute; Georgia claiming to a line called-Watson's line, and exorcising political jurisdiction. and making grants of land to that line; whilst Florida claimed to a line called McNeil's line, further north than Watson’s. Upon running the true line, as finally agreed upon by the two states, it was found to be further north than McNeil’s line': — Held, 1, That the grant made by Georgia of the land in dispute, which was south of McNeil's line, though made whilst Georgia exercised the powers of government de facto over the territory there, was nevertheless void; 2, That tlxe confirmation by Florida of the grants made by Georgia,’ did not invalidate or disturb the grant of the land in dispute previously made by itself.</p> <p>The history of the Florida boundary stated.</p>