Question

What's the law about slaves?

Answer 1

1. The slave, being personal chattel, is at all times liable to be sold absolutely, or mortgaged or leased, at the will of his master"

2. "Slaves cannot redeem themselves, nor obtain a change of masters, though cruel treatment may have rendered such change necessary for their personal safety"

3. "Slaves being objects of property, if injured by third persons, their owners, may bring suit, and recover damages for the injury."

4. "Slaves can make no contract."

5. Slavery is heriditary and perpetual" (George M. Stroud, A Sketch of the Laws Relating to Slavery, p. 88-89).