United States v. California

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Advocates

Allan A. Ryan, Jr. (argued the cause for the United States)

Russell Iungerich (argued the cause for California)

Case Basics

Docket No.:

5 ORIG

Plaintiff:

United States

Defendant:

California

Decided By:

Burger Court (1975-1981)

Opinion:

436 U.S. 32 (1978)

Argued:

Monday, February 27, 1978

Decided:

Monday, May 15, 1978

Issues:

Federalism, Submerged Lands Act

Cite this page

The Oyez Project, United States v. California , 436 U.S. 32 (1978)
available at: (http://oyez.org/cases/1970-1979/1977/1977_5_orig)

Facts of the Case:

Channel Islands National Monument is a nationally designated area off the coast of California, including Anacapa and Santa Barbara Islands. In 1949, President Harry S Truman issued a proclamation that extended the boundary of the National Monument within one nautical mile of the islands.

Question:

Does California have jurisdiction over the submerged lands and waters under the Submerged Lands Act of 1953?

Conclusion:

Yes. Writing for the majority, Justice Potter Stewart determined that under the Submerged Lands Act of 1953 after the 1947 United States v. California decision, Congress specified that the lands in dispute were under California's control.

Decisions

Decision: 5 votes for California, 3 vote(s) against
Legal provision: Submerged Lands Acts

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