Case library · The Fisherman's Rights
The Stranger's Rake
Corfield v. Coryell (1823)
Charge: Nonresident oyster-raking banCourt: U.S. Circuit Court, E.D. PennsylvaniaState: PennsylvaniaDocket: The Fisherman's Rights
May a state reserve the taking of oysters from its natural beds to its own residents?
The facts
A state law shut its oyster grounds from May to September, and in the open months let only its own residents rake or gather oysters from the natural beds. A vessel owned in another state was caught raking in a river cove. It was seized, condemned and sold under the statute. The owner sued the men who took it, saying a state cannot close a common fishery to citizens of other states.
You have the facts the court had. Guilty or not guilty? Call it in the game with your friends, then see what the court actually decided. Wrong call, you drink.
Citation: Corfield v. Coryell, 6 F. Cas. 546 (C.C.E.D. Pa. 1823)
Read more at fjc.gov. The source reveals the outcome.