United States v. Florida (363 U.S. 121)

ON MOTION FOR JUDGMENT ON THE PLEADINGS.

In this suit by the United States under Art. III, § 2 of the Constitution, held: The Submerged Lands Act grants Florida a three-marine-league belt of land under the Gulf of Mexico, seaward from its coastline, as described in Florida's 1868 Constitution, which was approved by Congress when Florida was readmitted to representation in Congress after the Civil War. Pp. 121-129.

Solicitor General Rankin and George S. Swarth argued the cause for the United States. With them on the brief were Oscar H. Davis and John F. Davis.

Senator Spessard L. Holland and Richard W. Ervin, Attorney General of Florida, argued the cause for the State of Florida, defendant. With them on the brief were J. Robert McClure, First Assistant Attorney General of Florida, and Fred M. Burns, Robert J. Kelly and Irving B. Levenson, Assistant Attorneys General.

Mr. Justice BLACK delivered the opinion of the Court.