Title: Neither fugitive nor free
Subtitle: Atlantic slavery, freedom suits, and the legal culture of travel
Description: Studies lawsuits to gain freedom for slaves on the grounds of their having traveled to free territory, starting with Somerset v. Stewart (England, 1772), Commonwealth v. Aves (Massachussetts, 1836), Dred Scott v. Sanford, and cases brought questioning the legitimacy of Negro Seamen Acts in the antebellum coastal South. These lawsuits and accounts of them are compared to fugitive slave narratives to shed light on both. The differing impact of freedom obtained from such suits for men and women (women could claim that their children were free, once they were judged free) is examined.
Subjects: History, History and criticism, American literature, Slaves, Travel, Slavery in literature, Slavery, Law and literature, Law in literature, Law and legislation, Legal status, laws, African American authors, Antislavery movements, Slave narratives, Blacks, Travel in literature, American literature, history and criticism, 19th century, American literature, african american authors, history and criticism, Slaves, united states, Antislavery movements, united states, Slavery, law and legislation, united states, Criminology, Political activists, Criminal justice, administration of, Black people
Places: United States
Time periods: 19th century