State v. Mann: History Repeats Itself

In last weeks class two groups went head-to-head presenting a blast from the blast case of State v. Mann, which took place in 1830. The case presented the legal question of should John Mann have to pay the ten dollar fine issued to him for shooting a slave he had leased from someone else, or did this fine violate his rights as a slave owner? In the end, the Supreme Court of North Carolina overturned the prior two courts decision, ruling that John Manns rights were violated.

Todays team of the State sourced arguments from religion, law, and morality. While the team representing Mann argued his right to property above all else, while combating the State's arguments. Ultimately,  The Honorable Judge Smith ruled the same as Judge Tomas Ruffin had in 1830, finding John Manns rights violated, and over turning the issue of the $10 fine. Although history repeated itself in last weeks classroom, it's pretty safe to assume that verdict would be quite different in 2016.

In all, it was a pretty interesting way to learn about the case. This week, the class presents the arguments of Dred Scott v. Stanford.

And since every good blog post should have a link here's a second one, check out this cool article about Yeezus.