Natalie K.

asked • 02/04/17

California Civil Code of 1905 Question

Thank you for answering my last question, but i'm a little confused on this line : "Personal relations forbid. The rights of personal relations forbid: 
4. Injury to servant. Any injury to a servant which affects his ability to serve his master. En. March 21, 1872. Am'd. 1905,68."
 
This is probably a stupid question, but slavery was abolished in 1865? Why would the law print that out if by law slavery was abolished so why would they even print out about servants? 
Thank you!
 

Mark M.

Your question indicates that you equate "servant" with "slave." Is that necessarily true?
Report

02/04/17

Natalie K.

well it says master so I'm "assuming" that the master would be superior to the servant? A definition of a slave is somebody who obeys another person, so wouldn't a servant be a slave to the master? 
Report

02/04/17

Mark M.

Do you (or did you) obey your parents? Would that make you a slave?
Report

02/04/17

Natalie K.

I mean yes, I obey my parents because that is respectful, but I don't think of myself as a servant and them my masters. 
Report

02/04/17

Mark M.

So that conflict with the definition of a slave that you presented.
Report

02/04/17

Natalie K.

Hmm, I guess a definition of a slave would then be a property of a person. Is a servant property of their master? 
Report

02/04/17

Mark M.

How does "person" differ from "master" in this context?
Throughout history wealthy people have had servants who wee not slaves.
Report

02/04/17

Natalie K.

So a master would basically be just an employer? So, technically, all jobs have a master, or a boss, and the employees are servants? 
Report

02/04/17

Mark M.

Some words have both connotations and denotations. You should become familiar with both.
Report

02/04/17

1 Expert Answer

By:

Mark M. answered • 02/04/17

Tutor
5.0 (278)

Mathematics Teacher - NCLB Highly Qualified

Still looking for help? Get the right answer, fast.

Ask a question for free

Get a free answer to a quick problem.
Most questions answered within 4 hours.

OR

Find an Online Tutor Now

Choose an expert and meet online. No packages or subscriptions, pay only for the time you need.