State v. Mann (trial 1)

            John Manns decision to kill Lydia was justifiable. The moral worth of an action is determined by its outcome whether it maximizes overall well being or minimizes harm. Lydia was a danger to the community and John through vindictive intentions. Her death was necessary to prevent greater harm to others. As Justice Thomas Ruffin argued, masters should have absolute power over their slaves to ensure total submission. Without complete control, the authority of the master would be undermined, leading to potential rebellion or disobedience. Killing lydia was an enforcement of absolute authority ensuring that no precedent could be set for resistance or defiance. John Manns action was a necessary evil to maintain the structure of the institution of slavery at the time. Ruffin stated that while masters should wield absolute power, slaves should have legal protection from people other than their owners. Meaning that while John Mann had the right to exert control over Lydia, others could not intervene or harm her without his consent. In this framework, Lydia’s death at John’s hands, though tragic, is a right reserved to him as her master. In conclusion, Lydia's death was an act of self preservation and was a part of maintaining the social order and ensuring obedience.