Today during our class, we listened to the supreme court case of State v Mann. The reason as to why this case is so significant is because a white man shot a woman in the back of her head. The reason why this murder happened was because Lydia was on loan to Mr.Mann from Elizabeth Jones, she attempted to run away, but failed to do so.
The state charged Mr.Mann a fine of $10 for his attempted murder and assault. He decided to appeal and the State presented arguments initially against Mr.Mann.
Initially, the State argued the case from a religious standpoint, claiming Judeo-Christian principles, such as the idea that we were all God’s children and the significance of abiding by moral laws which is considered the foundation of America. John Mann’s behavior went against these fundamental values and demonstrated a lack of regard for them. From a religious perspective, Mann’s actions make it obvious that he is at fault here, and should be penalized for his actions.
Furthermore, the State argued the fact that America is consistently falling behind the rest of the world in terms of abolition. Slavery is a cruel act that should not be continued during that particular day and age, making America stuck on the past rather than moving forward to the future.
On the opposing side, Mr.Mann’s attorney argued a completely different story. In several respects, Mann's argument might be viewed as a kind of self-defense. First, Lydia might have harmed someone, taken something, or even started a slave uprising if she had fled. Second, it makes natural that Mann would attempt to safeguard his slaves because they are the source of his income, and he shouldn't be penalized for doing so.
After the judges careful consideration of both arguments, he decided to rule in favor of the defendant, and that John Mann is not to pay the fine of $10.
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