Social and Behavioral Sciences E-Campus

H 101 - Lab Exercise: The New York Conspiracy (1741)

The (New York) Negro Law

Description:

The Negro Law of 1740 was enacted in the colony of New York as a consequence of an uprising in 1712 in which African-Americans appeared in arms.

Provisions

By an act of assembly of this province, passed in the fourth year of his present majesty's reign, entitled, "An act for the more effectual preventing and punishing the conspiracy and insurrection of negores and other slaves; for the better regulating them, and for repealing the acts mentioned relating thereto" -- it is enacted, (inter alia) That all and every negro, Indian, or other slave , or slaves, who after the publication of this act shall murder or otherwise kill (unless by misadventure or in the execution of justice) or conspire or attempt the death of any of his masjesty's liege people, NOT BEING SLAVES; or shall wilfully burn any dwelling house, barn, stable, out-house, stacks of corn or hay; and shall thereof be convicted before three or more of his majesty's justices of the peace for the country where such fact shall be committed, one whereof to be of the quorum, who are thereby authorized to hear and determine the same, in conjunction with five of the principal freeholders of the county, without a grand jury, seven of whom agreeing, shall put their judgment in execution according to this act; or before any court of oyer and terminer or general jail delivery; he, she or they, so offending, shall suffer pains of death, in such manner and with such circumstances as the aggravation or enormity of their crimes, in the judgment of the justices of those courts aforesaid, or as in the judgment of seven of the said justices and freeholders shall merit and require.

The New York Conspiracy Main Page H101

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Content copyright © 1996 Joan A. Andersen;
Revised: 6 November 1999
URL: http://www.erols.com/bcccsbs/nylaw.htm