State v Mann

In class today a moot court was called in order to discuss the case of State v Mann. The case involves a slave, Lydia and her master John Mann. Mann chose to punish Lydia for attempting to run away by shooting her in the back, as a result this case was brought to North Carolina Supreme Court. The issue of whether Mann should be forced to pay his fine or if he should be relieved of his punishment is being called to question.

In favor of Lydia the argument is made that overall slavery is immoral and for this reason the acts taken upon her are wrong. The defendant also argues that the bible states that slavery is wrong, therefore Lydia's master should not condone nor perpetuate slavery. These two points worked to not only declare the acts taken upon Lydia wrong, but slavery as a whole. Along with this argument the defendant also stated that Lydia did not belong to Mann, as he was renting her out. He therefore did not have the right to shoot and damage her.

   Although these arguments held some ground in the moot court, the overall verdict was in favor of the prosecution. One of the most important arguments that was made was that Lydia was a piece of property. Due to the common law at the time it was crucial that the court rule in favor of Mann as there was a precedent to maintain. If the court had altered the common law in favor of Lydia it would have set a negative precedent that when emotions of the court are involved the law can be remolded. The prosecution also reminded the court that Lydia was in fact fully Mann's property at the time of her shooting. Although she was being rented out she was Mann's responsibility, therefore if Lydia had not chosen to run away she would not have been shot. In court it is very important to understand where fault lies, especially when delivering a verdict. As Lydia had chosen to run away from her punishment it was her fault that Mann had to shoot her in order to prevent him from loosing her.

The United State's Judicial system has a duty to uphold the law. Mann was in turn declared free of the fines regarding Lydia.
Check this out for some background on the case!

Blacks Only

 After a student at the University of Buffalo chose to adorn public places with 'white only' and 'black only' signs a controversy emerged. Many students and professors were outraged by the signs, finding them highly offensive. Ashley Powell, an art student at the university admitted to having hung the signs not out of prejudice but for a school project.

These signs were hung in her defense in order to symbolize her suffering with white privilege. For many though it brought up unwanted feelings of the past that symbolized a dark time in America's history. Although these signs can be viewed as offensive to believe that these issues are no longer prevalent just because signs like this no longer exist would be a grave understatement. These signs having brought up unwanted feelings of segregation reminded the university of what used to be.

With this upheaval of the past a great deal of anger also emerged. For Powell it is not only when these signs are up that she is reminded of the still prevalent issue of racism in America. Having caused so much unrest Powell did release a statement regarding her project, but does not regret what she did. "I apologize for the extreme trauma, fear, and actual hurt and pain these signs brought about. I apologize if you were hurt, but I do not apologize for what I did." 

Check out this link to read more on the issue!

I Have A Dream..

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character"- Martin Luther King Jr.

Arguably one of the most famous speeches from the 19th century, Martin Luther King Jr's 'I Have a Dream Speech' continues to echo in the ear's of many. Those lucky enough to have been born in the current generation are spoiled by the luxury of equality. The prospect that their children will be judged by the color of their skin has most likely never entertained their thought process. Their is an understanding that skin color does not determine the worth of a person. The prejudice eye remains closed amongst children, leaving them open to intermingle with those of any race. And character is not determined by an uncontrollable factor, but by the construction of ones values. These concepts are not only the norm, but accepted as socially correct.


 Having recently passed it is important to

acknowledge Martin Luther King Jr Day on not only January 18th, but every day. Due to a man who was willing to separate himself from the tainted norm of the time Americans no longer live segregated by color. To acknowledge this day only once a year would not only be a disservice to his honor, but to the sacred concept of equality and freedom Americans so highly treasure. In the words of Martin Luther King Jr, I have a dream that America will live everyday in understanding of the gift of equality that Martin Luther King Jr set into motion.
Click the attached link below to read all of Martin Luther King's I Have a Dream Speech.