Somerset v. Stewart
King's Bench Court
98 Eng. Rep. 499 (1771)
Relevant factsFree
Virginia resident Stewart brought his slave Somerset to England, where Somerset escaped, was recaptured, and was held aboard a ship by Captain Knowles (defendant) pending transport to Jamaica for sale; antislavery advocates (plaintiffs) petitioned for a writ of habeas corpus on Somerset's behalf.
IssueFree
Whether slavery can be supported by reasons other than the positive law of the country where it is practiced.