About the book
This volume is the first comprehensive history of the evolving relationship between American slavery and the law from colonial times to the Civil War. As Thomas Morris clearly shows, racial slavery came to the English colonies as an institution without strict legal definitions or guidelines. Specifically, he demonstrates that there was no coherent body of law that dealt solely with slaves. Instead, more general legal rules concerning inheritance, mortgages, and transfers of property coexisted with laws pertaining only to slaves. According to Morris, southern lawmakers and judges struggled to reconcile a social order based on slavery with existing English common law (or, in Louisiana, with continental civil law.) Because much was left to local interpretation, laws varied between and even within states. In addition, legal doctrine often differed from local practice. And, as Morris reveals, in the decades leading up to the Civil War, tensions mounted between the legal culture of racial slavery and the competing demands of capitalism and evangelical Christianity.
Editions of Southern Slavery and the Law, 1619-1860
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807822388
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807848173
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807864302
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890882936
Read an Excerpt
This volume is the first comprehensive history of the evolving relationship between American slavery and the law from colonial times to the Civil War. As Thomas Morris clearly shows, racial slavery came to the English colonies as an institution without strict legal definitions or guidelines. Specifically, he demonstrates that there was no coherent body of law that dealt solely with slaves. Instead, more general legal rules concerning inheritance, mortgages, and transfers of property coexisted with laws pertaining only to slaves. According to Morris, southern lawmakers and judges struggled to reconcile a social order based on slavery with existing English common law (or, in Louisiana, with continental civil law.) Because much was left to local interpretation, laws varied between and even within states. In addition, legal doctrine often differed from local practice. And, as Morris reveals, in the decades leading up to the Civil War, tensions mounted between the legal culture of racial slavery and the competing demands of capitalism and evangelical Christianity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Slavery and the Law, 1619-1860 about?
This volume is the first comprehensive history of the evolving relationship between American slavery and the law from colonial times to the Civil War. As Thomas Morris clearly shows, racial slavery came to the English colonies as an institution without strict legal definitions or guidelines. Specifically, he demonstrates that there was no coherent body of law that dealt solely with slaves. Instead, more general legal rules concerning inheritance, mortgages, and transfers of property coexisted with laws pertaining only to slaves. According to Morris, southern lawmakers and judges struggled to reconcile a social order based on slavery with existing English common law (or, in Louisiana, with continental civil law.) Because much was left to local interpretation, laws varied between and even within states. In addition, legal doctrine often differed from local practice. And, as Morris reveals, in the decades leading up to the Civil War, tensions mounted between the legal culture of racial slavery and the competing demands of capitalism and evangelical Christianity.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Southern Slavery and the Law, 1619-1860?
Law > Jurisprudence and general issues > Legal history
Where can I read a sample of Southern Slavery and the Law, 1619-1860?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807822388
How long is Southern Slavery and the Law, 1619-1860 and how many pages does it have?
Southern Slavery and the Law, 1619-1860 has 592 page(s)
Is Southern Slavery and the Law, 1619-1860 part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Studies in Legal History
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Southern Slavery and the Law, 1619-1860?
Thomas D. Morris
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Southern Slavery and the Law, 1619-1860 is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807822388) and paperback(ISBN 9780807848173) and ebook(ISBN 9780807864302) and pdf(ISBN 9798890882936)
Where can I buy Southern Slavery and the Law, 1619-1860 online or support local independent bookshops?
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