The Daniel Ball

77 U.S. (10 Wall.) 557, 19 L.Ed. 999 (1871)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

The Daniel Ball was a steamer only conducting its business between Grand Rapids and Grand Haven; all within the state of Michigan. A Congressional Act of 1838 made it unlawful to operate steamships on the bays, lakes, rivers, or other navigable waters of the United States without a license. The Daniel Ball did not have a license under U.S. law and was fined $500. The Government sued to recover that fine. The United States (P) sued, and the owners asserted that the ship was not subject to the license requirement because the Grand River was not a navigable water and the ship did not engage in interstate commerce. The District Court dismissed the case, but the Circuit Court reversed. The Supreme Court granted review.