Slave Codes

Real World Example

Slave codes were laws created in the English Colonies between the 1600s and 1800s to control and restrict the lives of enslaved people. These codes were important at the time because they aimed to prevent uprisings and maintain a system where enslaved people had little to no rights. They responded to fears among colonists about potential rebellions and the need to keep a cheap labor force for plantations. Today, the legacy of slave codes can still be seen in systemic racism and social inequality, influencing how laws and policies are sometimes applied differently to various racial groups. For example, racial profiling in law enforcement can trace its roots to these historical laws, affecting individuals' experiences with the justice system based on their race.