Somersett Decision (1772)
-The Somerset decision made slavery unlawful in England leading directly to the emancipation of thousands of slaves within the United Kingdom.
-Lord Mansfield decided that, "The state of slavery is of such a nature, that it is incapable of being introduced on any reasons, moral or political; but only positive law, which preserves its force long after the reasons, occasion, and time itself from whence it was created, is erased from memory: it's so odious, that nothing can be suffered to support it, but positive law."
- This showed that some countries were taking an appreciation for slaves, this gave slaves confidence to speak out and have hope all around the world
-Lord Mansfield decided that, "The state of slavery is of such a nature, that it is incapable of being introduced on any reasons, moral or political; but only positive law, which preserves its force long after the reasons, occasion, and time itself from whence it was created, is erased from memory: it's so odious, that nothing can be suffered to support it, but positive law."
- This showed that some countries were taking an appreciation for slaves, this gave slaves confidence to speak out and have hope all around the world
Lord Mansfield