Question

section 7. be it further enacted, that every civil officer shall, and every person may, arrest and carry back to his or her legal employer any freedman, free negro, or mulatto who shall have quit the service of his or her employer before the expiration of his or her term of service without good cause, and said officer and person shall be entitled to receive for arresting and carrying back every deserting employee aforesaid the sum of $5, and 10 cents per mile from the place of arrest to the place of delivery, and the same shall be paid by the employer, and held as a setoff for so much against the wages of said deserting employee: reworded: this rule essentially brought back a form of the fugitive slave law, but for labor contracts. if a black worker tried to leave a job, any person could catch them and force them to return for a reward. the worker then had to pay the reward out of their own meager earnings, which made it almost impossible for them to ever leave the job or escape the debt. how similar is this law to slavery? explain. in what ways do these sections of the black codes of mississippi restrict freedom for african americans? give at least 3 specific examples from the source.

Explanation:

1. Similarity to slavery: This law is highly similar to slavery as it restricts the freedom of movement of Black workers. Just like slaves who could not leave their owners without permission, Black workers here could not leave their jobs without facing consequences. The financial incentive for capture and the requirement for the worker to pay it back from their earnings are reminiscent of the control mechanisms in slavery.
2. Restrictions on freedom:

• Forced return: Any person could arrest and carry back a Black worker who left their job before the term ended without good cause, taking away their freedom to choose to leave.
• Financial burden: The worker had to pay the reward for their capture from their own meager earnings, which made it difficult for them to save or use their money as they pleased.
• Debt - like situation: The amount paid as a set - off against their wages created a debt - like situation that trapped them in the job, limiting their economic freedom.

Answer:

Question 1: How similar is this law to slavery?
This law is very similar to slavery as it restricts the freedom of Black workers' movement and economic autonomy, much like the control mechanisms in slavery.

Question 2: In what ways do these sections of the Black Codes of Mississippi restrict freedom for African Americans?

• Any person could arrest and carry back a Black worker who left a job early.
• The worker had to pay the reward for their capture from their earnings.
• The set - off against wages created a debt - like situation trapping them in the job.