Mock Trial State V. Mann Reaction

State v. Mann Reaction

On trial today we heard several arguments for and against John Mann. 

John Mann

John Mann was on trial for the assault and attempted murder of a slave named Lydia. Lydia belonged to Elisabeth Jones but was on loan to John Mann at the time of this incident. She was brutally beaten by John Mann for not obeying him and while she tried to run away, he shot her in the back. 

The state charged John Mann with assault and attempted murder, and he was fined $10 for his punishment. Mann appealed this on the following arguments.

The State argued that America had Christian values such as the Golden Rule where "Treat others how you would want to be treated." and we are God's children. John Mann did not display any of those values in this case and should pay the fine of $10.00.

Another point was made that if America's economy in the south is doing so well due to the slave's work, why would you beat them? It's like the saying "Don't bite the hand that feeds you." 

Other points that were made on how America is behind the rest of the world in abolition. The rest of the world is moving forward, and we should look to the future and not the past.

The first argument was John Mann was guilty of assault and battery and how the laws should be applied to African Americans as well.

The second argument was a strong one that John Mann did not have the right to harm and punish Lydia because she did not really belong to him. She belonged to Elizabth Jones and did not have her permission to assault her. This right could not be transferred.

These points were all based on morals and not the law. 

The arguments on John Mann's side were more on the laws during this time in history.

The first argument in favor of Mann was that slaves were property under the law and so Mann had the right to beat her since Lydia ran away. She broke the law of travelling without permission and could be a danger to others, so he had the right to shoot her.

A second point was that this could have been in self-defense because Lydia posed a threat to others by running away, she could have harmed someone. Plus, it took away from his profits of earning a living on his property.  

According to the bible, masters are allowed to beat their slaves as long as they do not die, and Lydia did not die. 

In the end the court found Mann not guilty and gave him back his $10.00 and wiped away the charges.

Thomas Ruffin