New Jersey's Slave Codes
New Jersey’s Slave Codes
The enslaved population of New Jersey grew in relationship to labor needs. Restrictive laws, or “slave codes”, were enacted to allay colonists’ fears of the growing population. The codes sought to control every aspect of life. 
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1675-(East New Jersey) Fine imposed on individuals for transporting enslaved persons without permission.
1682-(East New Jersey) Penalties imposed for “harboring” or helping freedom seeking slaves.
1694-Enslaved persons denied the right to carry guns or permitted to stay in the home of others longer than two hours without permission.
1704-Slaves classified as chattel or real estate. The law allowed for enslaved persons to be passed onto heirs, mortgaged, and seized to pay debts. Indian and enslaved persons were required to travel with a License or be subjected to public whipping.
1713/14- Enslaved persons traveling without a License within a 5 mile radiance of their plantation were subject to public whipping and/or jailing.
1751-Enslaved persons were prohibited from meeting in large numbers or moving freely at night.
1776-The New Jersey state constitution limited new voting rights to aliens (foreign born), free African Americans and white women.
1778-The New Jersey Assembly persuaded New Jersey Governor Livingston to withdraw his request to free the enslaved population.
New Jersey’s enslaved population experienced life under these restrictive codes. Their desire for freedom continued to be effectuated through escape or revolt.
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USA 250: A Frenzied Hope pt. 2
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