The Case of Mary Clark, A Woman of Colour
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| The Case of Mary Clark, A Woman of Colour | |
| Court | Supreme Court of Judicature of the State of Indiana |
|---|---|
| Citation | 1 Blackf. 122 (Ind. 1821) |
| Date decided | 1821 |
Facts
Defendant was a free black woman who voluntarily bound herself to serve the plaintiff as an indentured servant for 20 years. She no longer desires to be the servant of the plaintiff.
Procedural History
Mary was remanded to the custody of Johnston, to which she has appealed.
Issues
Whether coercion by specific performance is appropriate for the services of one promising to be an indentured servant.
Holding
No, specific performance is not an available remedy.
Judgment
Judgment reversed.
Reasons
Covenants of servitude cannot be enforced or coerced by specific performance because doing so would produce a state of degrading and demoralizing servitude which would constitute as a state of absolute slavery.
