Fugitive slave law
The Fugitive Slave Law was the most controversial part of the Compromise of 1850. This law allowed individuals who had escaped from slavery to be captured and returned to their rightful owners. This law also declared that slaves were not U.S. citizens which allowed the government to deny a fugitive slaves' right to a jury trial. Federal marshals and other officials were given the responsibility of capturing these slaves.
The Fugitive Slave Law established harsh punishments and fines for individuals who interfered with the capture of a runaway slave but also rewarded anyone who captured an escapee. For slaves in the north and free blacks, this new law was devastating. An estimated 20,000 blacks migrated to Canada between 1850 and 1860.
The Fugitive Slave Law established harsh punishments and fines for individuals who interfered with the capture of a runaway slave but also rewarded anyone who captured an escapee. For slaves in the north and free blacks, this new law was devastating. An estimated 20,000 blacks migrated to Canada between 1850 and 1860.