Library of Congress
Loc: Slaves and the Courts
Explore primary source documents of court cases that were influential in the slavery debate from 1740-1860. Read first-hand analysis of cases that changed the course of American History such as the Dred Scott Case, John Brown and much more.
Other
Virtual Jamestown: The Practice of Slavery: Selected Virginia Records
This site provides the original text from colonial Virginia concerning council and court records on slave issues such as the laws concerning runaways, their punishments, deeds of ownership for specific slaves, etc.
Other
Virtual Jamestown: Laws on Slavery
This site provides the original text of Virginia colonial laws concerning different aspects of slavery for Africans, Native Americans, and indentured servants.
PBS
Africans in America: Virginia's Slave Codes (1705)
This website describes contents of the Virginia Slave Codes of 1705 with excerpts from the orginal law.
PBS
Africans in America: Colonial Laws
Read some excerpts from original colonial laws concerning slaves.
PBS
Africans in America: Virginia Recognizes Slavery
Here is a general description of the gradual change from using indentured servants to recognizing Africans as slaves and the laws reflecting this change.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: African Americans in the British New World: Slave Codes
Resistance and even rebellion of slaves resulted in colonies enacting laws regarding the actions of slaves. Read about some of the slave codes and what they prohibited.