Idaho v. United States — Rehnquist, J., Dissenting

Summary

In his dissent, Justice Rehnquist argues that the majority erred in finding congressional intent to withhold title to the submerged lands of Lake Coeur d’Alene from Idaho at statehood. He maintains that the equal‑footing doctrine fixes title at the moment of admission and that post‑statehood events and inchoate negotiations cannot defeat that title. Accordingly, he concludes that the evidence does not meet the clear‑and‑plain standard required to strip Idaho of its sovereign claim.