Dow v. State of Michigan

Marie Parker Smith, titleholder to a parcel of real property improved with a family residence, and Carl and Rose Dow, land contract purchasers of Smith, commenced this action to quiet title against the State of Michigan which had acquired title to the property at a tax sale for nonpayment of 1965 city taxes in the amount of $35.82.

Plaintiffs claim the tax sale was defective because the state failed to give them adequate notice of the tax foreclosure proceedings.

The issue is whether the Due Process Clause, barring the state from depriving any person of property without due process of law, 1…