One notable Supreme Court case that involved original jurisdiction between two states is New Jersey v. New York (1998).
Description of Original Jurisdiction:
Original jurisdiction refers to the authority of a court to hear a case for the first time, as opposed to appellate jurisdiction, where a court reviews the decision of a lower court. In the context of the U.S. Supreme Court, original jurisdiction is specifically defined in Article III, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, allowing the Court to have original jurisdiction in cases involving ambassadors, public ministers, and those in which a state is a party. This case exemplifies a dispute between two states, which is one of the instances where the Supreme Court may exercise original jurisdiction.
Issues in Dispute in the Case:
The case revolved around a dispute over the ownership and control of several parcels of land known as "Liberty State Park" and the area around Ellis Island, including the adjacent waters. New Jersey and New York contested whether the area surrounding the island belonged to New York or New Jersey. More specifically, the case examined issues of jurisdiction, ownership of submerged lands, and the impact on maritime boundaries.
Decision by the Supreme Court:
In its decision, the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of New Jersey, affirming that the state had claim to the majority of the disputed waters. The Court determined that New Jersey had constructed significant structures in its area that were in line with the legal maxim that "whosoever is owner of the soil, it is theirs also to the center of the earth and to the sky.” Ultimately, the Court also highlighted the importance of establishing clear borders and ownership in preventing future disputes.
This case is a significant example of the Supreme Court exercising its original jurisdiction, as it resolved a complex dispute between two states regarding land and water rights.