"The state of slavery is of such a nature that it is incapable of being introduced on any reasons, moral or political, but only by positive law, which preserves its force long after the reasons, occasions, and time itself from whence it was created, is erased from memory. It is so odious, that nothing can be suffered to support it, but positive law. Whatever inconveniences, therefore, may follow from the decision, I cannot say this case is allowed or approved by the law of England; and therefore the black must be discharged."
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William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield, decision in Somerset v Stewart (1772)
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/History_of_the_United_States
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History of the United States
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