What does the case Findlay V. State establish about patents of land found to be in excess?

The case of Findlay V. State establishes that when land patents are found to be in excess, the grantee has the right to purchase the excess land at market value. This principle supports the idea of property rights, recognizing that if an individual has been granted a patent for a specific parcel of land, and it is subsequently determined that additional land was included by mistake, the individual should still be afforded the opportunity to secure ownership of that excess land.

In many legal systems, this approach reflects a balance between the interests of the State in managing its land resources and the rights of individuals who hold patents. It recognizes the grantee's entitlement to an equitable resolution that allows them to obtain land they may have been utilizing or claiming, thus protecting their investment and property rights.

The notion that excess land is automatically retained by the State, that a grantee must prove ownership, or that the State must keep all excess land irrespective of the grantee’s actions would conflict with the principle of equitable treatment of landowners and the foundational concepts of property law that prioritize fair access and ownership rights.