Filed Under Rikers Timeline
1850: U.S. Congress Passes the Fugitive Slave Act
the Fugitive Slave Act As the Civil War approaches, the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 requires the arrest of those suspected of escaping enslavement. Police officers are offered bonuses and promotions as incentives for capturing runaways. The accused are denied the right of habeas corpus and a jury trial. They are brought before officials like Richard Riker and cannot testify. Court officials are compensated for hearing cases regardless of the outcome. These laws formally institute the underground activities of the “Kidnapping Club” and make Northerners responsible for ensuring the survival of the institution of slavery. The arrests and detainments of free blacks continue. Creator: This timeline is a collaboration between visual artist Isaac Scott and historian Dr. Shana Russell. Date: 1850
As the Civil War approaches, the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 requires the arrest of those suspected of escaping enslavement. Police officers are offered bonuses and promotions as incentives for capturing runaways. The accused are denied the right of habeas corpus and a jury trial. They are brought before officials like Richard Riker and cannot testify. Court officials are compensated for hearing cases regardless of the outcome. These laws formally institute the underground activities of the “Kidnapping Club” and make Northerners responsible for ensuring the survival of the institution of slavery. The arrests and detainments of free blacks continue.