Has any work of American literature generated more controversy than Herman Melville's Billy Budd? The main question that Billy Budd generates is whether we should admire or admonish Captain Vere for his decision to sentence Billy Budd to death by public hanging. Most people are alarmed by Captain Vere's decision to order the execution of Billy Budd. Many philosophers have written codes of conduct and the duties of military commanders and their responsibilities regarding the discipline of their men. A commanding officer must have 100% control of his subordinates on caring out his orders in which to accomplish the military power's objective. Many military laws and ideas come from the Chinese philosopher Sun-Tsu and the renaissance writer, Niccolo' Machiavelli. These philosophers have written theories on how to command forces and win battles, maintain control over troops and civilians alike. Both authors are mandatory readings in most military intuitions, but they are also now becoming required readings for many business leaders. Captain Vere's decision to order the death of Billy Budd by hanging was justified in accordance of military law and due to the circumstances of battle.
             An analysis of the issues of law and justice in Melville's Billy Budd may usefully begin with a fateful change of fortunes. As the story begins, the handsome sailor of the title is transferred from the merchantman Rights of Man to the man-of-war Bellipotent. His transfer from a civilian ship to that of a military ship is symbolic of the gentle world he is leaving to the sterner world of the military. Under the chain of command that the military follows, orders are expected to be followed without question, momentary hesitation can mean the difference to battles being lost or won. Billy, a character of young innocence, naivety, and physical beauty quickly becomes the target of motiveless and malignant master-of-arms, John ...