The State of New Jersey v. The State of Delaware

Citations: 295 U.S. 694; 55 S. Ct. 907; 79 L. Ed. 1659; 1935 U.S. LEXIS 1100; 291 U.S. 361Docket: 11

Court: Supreme Court of the United States; June 2, 1935; Federal Supreme Court; Federal Appellate Court

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The Supreme Court of the United States issued a ruling on June 3, 1935, regarding the boundary dispute between New Jersey and Delaware. The Court approved the report of a special master and overruled exceptions filed by the parties. The ruling established that within a 12-mile radius circle centered at the former courthouse in New Castle, Delaware, the Delaware River and subaqueous soil up to the mean low-water line on the New Jersey side belong to Delaware. The boundary line within this circle is defined as the mean low-water mark on the New Jersey side. Below this circle, the boundary between the two states is determined to be the middle of the main ship channel in the Delaware River and Bay.

The Court provided a detailed description of the boundary line, which is illustrated in an annexed composite map derived from U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey charts. The boundary begins at a specific point in the middle of the main ship channel and extends southeastward to the mean low-water line on the eastern bank. It then follows the mean low-water line southwestward, crossing intervening small estuaries, and includes precise geographic coordinates for reference points used in the boundary description. The decree is intended to clarify the legal boundaries between New Jersey and Delaware in the Delaware River and Bay.

The legal description outlines a boundary line along the mean low-water line of the eastern bank of the Delaware River, detailing specific courses and distances. Key points include:

1. The boundary begins at a point located S. 3 57 55 E. True, 116 feet from Boundary Reference Monument No. 3 (U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Triangulation Station Salem Cove North) at coordinates Lat. 39 34 40.915, Long. 75 30 46.972.
2. A straight line southward crosses the mouth of the Salem River to a point on the mean low-water line located N. 3 57 53 W. True, 108 feet from Boundary Reference Monument No. 4 (Salem Cove South) at Lat. 39 34 03.753, Long. 75 30 43.614.
3. The boundary continues along the mean low-water line with several directional changes to a point S. 80 19 W. True, 55 feet from Boundary Reference Monument No. 5 at Lat. 39 29 52.718, Long. 75 31 41.555.
4. The boundary then follows an arc of a circle with a radius of 18,216.16 meters, centered at the former county courthouse in New Castle, crossing Artificial Island at Boundary Monument No. 6 (Lat. 39 29 47.255, Long. 75 32 33.640) and extending to Turning Point No. 7, located S. 86 30 W. True, 1,567 yards from Boundary Monument No. 6.
5. Additional straight-line segments are defined to Turning Points No. 8 through No. 12, detailing specific bearings and distances, leading to the limits of the states of New Jersey and Delaware in the Atlantic Ocean.
6. The description specifies that the courses refer to the true meridian at the start of each segment and that monument positions are based on the North American Datum 1927. The referenced lights and ranges are as per the Light Lists published by the Bureau of Lighthouses, with updates noting the establishment date of the Reedy Island Jetty Middle Light.

This summary captures all critical locations, directional courses, and distances relevant to the boundary description while ensuring clarity and completeness.

The court maintains jurisdiction to issue orders or modifications related to the decree, including resurveying the boundary line due to physical changes in the mean low water line or the main ship channel. The state of Delaware and its representatives are permanently enjoined from challenging New Jersey's sovereignty over the territory assigned to it, and vice versa for New Jersey regarding Delaware's territory. This decree does not affect the rights of either state or their claimants under the 1905 compact. Costs of the lawsuit will be shared equally between both parties. For further details, refer to the master's report in the Appendix.