The Slave Laws
South Carolina established its slave code in 1712, with the following provisions:
Source: Boundless. “Slave Codes.” Boundless U.S. History. Boundless, 14 Nov. 2014. Retrieved 11 Feb. 2015 from https://www.boundless.com/u-s-history/textbooks/boundless-u-s-history-textbook/slavery-and-reform-1820-1840-16/slavery-in-the-u-s-122/slave-codes-653-10159/
- Slaves were forbidden to leave the owner's property unless they obtained permission or were accompanied by a white person.
- Any slave that try to run away and leave the colony received death penalty as the punishment.
- Any slave who evaded capture for 20 days or more was to be publicly whipped for the first offense; branded with the letter R on the right cheek for the second offense; lose one ear if absent for 30 days for the third offense; and castrated for the fourth offense.
- Owners refusing to abide by the slave code were fined and forfeited ownership of their slaves.
- Slave homes were searched every two weeks for weapons or stolen goods. Punishment for violations included loss of ears, branding, nose-slitting and death.
- No slave was allowed to work for pay, or to plant corn, peas or rice; or to keep hogs, cattle, or horses; or to own or operate a boat; to buy or sell or wear clothes finer than "Negro cloth. "
Source: Boundless. “Slave Codes.” Boundless U.S. History. Boundless, 14 Nov. 2014. Retrieved 11 Feb. 2015 from https://www.boundless.com/u-s-history/textbooks/boundless-u-s-history-textbook/slavery-and-reform-1820-1840-16/slavery-in-the-u-s-122/slave-codes-653-10159/
Virginia's slave code was revised in 1739 with the following amendments:
- No slave could be taught to write, work on Sunday or work more than 15 hours per day in summer, and 14 hours in winter.
- Willful killing of a slave exacted a fine of 700 pounds, and "passion" killing 350 pounds.
- The fine for concealing runaway slaves was $1,000 and a prison sentence of up to one year.
- A fine of $100 and six months in prison were imposed for employing any black or slave as a clerk, for selling or giving alcoholic beverages to slaves, and for teaching a slave to read and write.
- Freeing a slave was forbidden, except by deed, and after 1820 only by permission of the legislature.
A summary of South Carolina slave Laws:
Prop VI. " The slave, being personal chattel, is at all times liable to be sold absolutely, or mortgaged or leased, at the will of his master"
Prop. XI "Slaves cannot redeem themselves, nor obtain a change of masters, though cruel treatment may have rendered such change necessary for their personal safety"
Prop. X. "Slaves being objects of property, if injured by third persons, their owners, may bring suit, and recover damages for the injury."
Prop. XI "Slaves can make no contract."
Prop. XII Slavery is heriditary and perpetual" (George M. Stroud, A Sketch of the Laws Relating to Slavery, p. 88-89).
Prop VI. " The slave, being personal chattel, is at all times liable to be sold absolutely, or mortgaged or leased, at the will of his master"
Prop. XI "Slaves cannot redeem themselves, nor obtain a change of masters, though cruel treatment may have rendered such change necessary for their personal safety"
Prop. X. "Slaves being objects of property, if injured by third persons, their owners, may bring suit, and recover damages for the injury."
Prop. XI "Slaves can make no contract."
Prop. XII Slavery is heriditary and perpetual" (George M. Stroud, A Sketch of the Laws Relating to Slavery, p. 88-89).