James Somerset and the Landmark Ruling

What significant event occurred in London in 1771 involving James Somerset?

• He was granted freedom by the court.

• He became a prominent abolitionist leader.

• He escaped from his owner and lived freely.

• He was sent back to the American colonies.

What legal principle was invoked by Somerset's godparents to challenge his imprisonment?

• Habeas Corpus

• Emancipation Proclamation

• Bill of Rights

• Magna Carta

Who financially supported James Somerset's legal costs during the trial?

• The British government

• Granville Sharp

• The American colonies

• Charles Stewart

What was the outcome of the court's decision regarding slavery in England?

• Slavery was abolished worldwide.

• Slavery was officially legalized.

• Slavery was deemed unauthorized by statute.

• Slavery was expanded across the British Empire.

How did the Somerset case influence the abolitionist movement in North America?

• It had no impact on the movement.

• It discouraged efforts to end slavery.

• It boosted the movement by encouraging debate.

• It led to immediate abolition of slavery.