Federal courts may review state court decisions when they rest on federal law or the federal Constitution. This decision provides for the uniform interpretation of federal law throughout the states. Decided March 20, 1816 (argued March 12, 1816). Opinion of the Court: Joseph Story → go there Topic: Federalism. Martin v. Hunter's Lessee, 14 U.S. 304 (1816), is a landmark decision of the Supreme Court of the United States that asserted ultimate Supreme Court authority over state courts in civil matters of federal law. Wiki link