"Kidnappers and Justice On the Road to the Abolition of Slavery" ©
In an ideal world, justice would be impartial and fair. During the era of slavery, justice was often color blind and the scales rarely tipped in favor of slaves.
The Fugitive Slave Law required the recapture and return of escaped slaves to their southern masters. In an interview, Reverend Samuel J. May, author of The Fugitive Slave Law and its Victims, explains how the law encouraged kidnappings in the North.
But, from time to time, the law did offer protection and justice to slaves. From her prison cell in 1829, notorious kidnapper and murderer Patty Cannon tells Abolition News Network how she lured free men and women into slavery with the promise of freedom.
In some situations, the law permitted slaves to gain their freedom. Abolitionist Attorney Ellis Gray Loring shares the details of a case he has just won. Med, a slave servant from New Orleans, is freed because her owners took her to the free state of Massachusetts.
WARNING: Some scenes may be disturbing to the viewers as either the subject matter, personalities, or their spoken language may be offensive in the 21st century. Teachers be advised.