Slave Codes

Real World Example

Slave codes were strict laws in the American colonies that controlled the lives of enslaved people and defined the rights of slave owners. These codes were important because they were designed to prevent rebellions and ensure control over the enslaved population. They responded to colonists' fears of uprisings and the need to maintain their economic system, which relied heavily on slave labor. Today, the legacy of slave codes can be seen in ongoing racial inequalities and systemic discrimination, affecting education, employment, and justice. For example, racial profiling by law enforcement can be traced back to ideas about control and suspicion rooted in the history of slave codes.