The American Law of Slavery, 1810-1860

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The book delves into the complexities of Southern slave law from 1810 to 1860, highlighting the stark contrast between slave labor systems and capitalist production. It illustrates how slave systems required total control over individuals while also acknowledging their humanity, in contrast to bourgeois systems that focused solely on economic interests. By examining various legal aspects, including contract law and manumission, the author demonstrates the tension between humanitarian concerns and economic motivations within the legal framework of the South.