Vere persuades the drumhead court that Billy is guilty by showing that even though the death of Claggart was not intentional, the action of Billy killing Claggart is still part of the case. Herman Melville uses reasons and examples to persuade the court that Billy should be sentenced to death. The court has a very intense case since it is legal for people to kill others in war but if not killing people is illegal. Vere defends this conflict saying his men and him are the ones who have to fight when they are called to war.
