Dec 9– “The Fugitive Slave Law” (1850)
Summary: No escaping slavery.
Commentary: This is a little different than the other documents in this volume (being both less foundational, and a specific law rather than a constitution or something.) It's kind of weird to think that, at the time T5FSOB was published, someone who was alive while the Fugitive Slave Act was passed could still be alive. They'd be in their 60s, but still. If you bump it up to anyone alive while the act was still in force (repealed in 1864) it's a little easier.
What laws from 50 years ago would someone put in a similar collection today?
Beyond that:
shall from time to time enlarge the number of the commissioners, with a view to afford reasonable facilities to reclaim fugitives from labor, and to the prompt discharge of the duties imposed by this act.
Horribleness of tossing people back into slavery aside, I hear so often about issues in courts, government, etc. caused by them being overloaded. Was this followed? Do the laws today say this is supposed to happen and they just aren't?
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