Mansfield v. Swan

Mansfield, Coldwater & Lake Michigan Railway Co. v. Swan, 111 U.S. 379 (1883)

Because the lower court didn't have jurisdiction, the judgment must be reversed. It isn't clear why this case is noteworthy, because it seems like it should follow directly on Capron v. Van Noorden.

"[T]he judicial power of the United States must not be exerted in a case to which it does not extend, even if both parties desire to have it exerted." 384

The judgment must be reversed, "else the party which prevailed there would have the benefit of such judgment or decree, though rendered by a court which had no authority to hear and determine the matter in controversy." 385

References

Capron v. Van Noorden, 2 Cranch 126 (1804)