New Jersey v. Delaware

Citations: 295 U.S. 694; 291 U.S. 361Docket: No. 11

Court: Supreme Court of the United States; February 5, 1934; Federal Supreme Court; Federal Appellate Court

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The Court has reviewed the pleadings, evidence, and exceptions related to the report of the Special Master and has issued a decree based on its opinion from February 5, 1934. Key points of the decree include:

1. Approval of the Special Master's report and overruling of all exceptions.
2. Establishment of the Delaware River and its subaqueous soil, up to the mean low water line on the New Jersey side, as belonging to the State of Delaware within a twelve-mile radius from the former courthouse at New Castle, Delaware. The boundary between New Jersey and Delaware in this area is determined to be the mean low water mark on the New Jersey side.
3. For the area below this twelve-mile circle, the boundary is established as the middle of the main ship channel in the Delaware River and Bay.
4. The decree is accompanied by a composite map that details the determined boundary line, which is based on U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey charts. The boundary line is described starting from a specified point in the main ship channel and includes specific coordinates and directions for various segments along the mean low water line of the eastern bank of the Delaware River.

This summary encapsulates the essential findings and decisions made in the decree regarding the boundary between New Jersey and Delaware.

The excerpt outlines a detailed boundary description between the states of New Jersey and Delaware, specifying geographical coordinates, directional bearings, and distances between various reference points and turning points along the mean low water line of the Delaware River and into Delaware Bay. Key points of the boundary include:

1. The starting point is identified at the mouth of the Salem River, with specific coordinates and distances from established monuments.
2. The boundary follows the eastern bank of the Delaware River in various directions, crossing small estuaries and reaching defined turning points.
3. The description includes distances and angles to numerous navigation lights and markers to delineate the boundary's path.
4. The document confirms that the described courses are referenced to the true meridian and provides the coordinates based on the North American Datum 1927.
5. The court maintains jurisdiction for potential modifications to the decree due to physical changes in the boundary.
6. Both states are enjoined from disputing each other's sovereignty over the adjudged territories.
7. The decree preserves the rights of both states as per the 1905 compact.
8. Costs of the legal proceedings are to be shared equally between the two states. 

This summary captures the critical details on the boundary definition, jurisdiction, and legal implications regarding the states involved.