The Fugitive Slave Law

The Fugitive Slave Law was passed on September 18, 1850 as part of the Compromise of 1850. This law was created to require the United States government to actively assist slave owners in recapturing their fugitive slaves. By 1843, several hundred slaves a year were successfully escaping to the North, making slavery an unstable institution in the border states. Under the United States Constitution, slave owners had the right to reclaim slaves who ran away to free states. It required that all escaped slaves were to be returned and that citizens of free states had to cooperate in this law. This was one of the most controversial elements of the 1850 compromise and greatly increased Northern fears of a "slave power conspiracy." Abolitionists nicknamed it the "Bloodhound Law" for the dogs that were used to track down runaway slaves. While the United States Congress debated the legislation, some legislators tried to insert protections into the bill for African Americans. They wanted the Fugitive Slave Law to guarantee African Americans the right to testify and also the right to a trial by jury. Anyone caught hiding or assisting fugitive slaves faced stiff penalties. United States marshals had to actively seek fugitives from slavery and return them to their owners. If the marshal refused, the federal government would fine the officer $1,000 (about $29,000 in present-day value). Officers who captured a fugitive slave were entitled to a bonus or promotion for their work. In addition, any person aiding a runaway slave by providing food or shelter was subject to six months imprisonment and a $1,000 fine. African Americans could not present evidence to a federal commissioner appointed to hear a case and determine an African American's status as a slave or free person. The slave owner was responsible for paying the commissioner. If the commissioner ruled in favor of the white man, the commissioner received ten dollars. But, if he ruled against the slave holder, he only received five. They were basically persuaded by money to always defend the white man.