Question

according to section 3, the owner of a fugitive slave may...
a have to wait until a slave returns to their home state or territory to capture them.
b capture the slave in any other state or territory and return home with a judges permission.*
c capture the slave in any other state or territory and return to their home state or territory.
d have to obtain a certificate from a judge before capturing the slave.

Explanation:

Section 3 of the Fugitive Slave Act allowed slave owners (or their agents) to seize an alleged fugitive slave in any U.S. state or territory, and then return them to the slaveholder's home jurisdiction, without needing prior judicial permission to make the capture (judicial involvement came after capture to confirm the claim). Option A is incorrect because waiting for return was not required; Option B is wrong as no judge's permission was needed before capture/return; Option D is incorrect because the certificate was obtained after capture, not before.

Answer:

C. capture the slave in any other state or territory and return to their home state or territory.