A triumph of principle
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Lord Mansfield was one of the greatest English judges. The issue at stake was whether a slave from Virginia, brought by his master to England, could be shipped to the West Indies to be sold. Much was made of his ingratitude at resisting his master's wishes in this respect. A dedicated group of campaigners took up the case. Strive as he might to avoid facing the direct issue- how like judges today- ultimately Mansfield applied law based on principle- whatever the consequences Somerset was to be a free man.
For lawyers and campaigners, an inspiring example of how to use the legal system to achieve justice against all odds. And it's good history.Perhaps sometimes the author loses the reader in the detail, but still it is a fine story.
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