Which of the following was part of the fugitive slave act passed in 1850

History · High School · Wed Jan 13 2021

Answered on

The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, part of the Compromise of 1850, included several provisions aimed at strengthening the ability of slaveowners to recapture escaped slaves. Some key components of the Fugitive Slave Act were:


1. Legal Requirement: The Fugitive Slave Act made it a federal crime to assist a runaway slave or to interfere with the capture and return of a fugitive slave.


2. Federal Commissioners: Special federal commissioners were appointed to oversee cases of suspected fugitive slaves. These commissioners had the authority to issue warrants for the arrest of individuals accused of being runaway slaves.


3. No Right to Trial by Jury: Under the Act, alleged fugitive slaves were not entitled to a trial by jury. Instead, the decision of the commissioner was final, and there was limited opportunity for the accused to present evidence in their defense.


4. Stringent Penalties: The Act imposed stringent penalties on anyone who assisted a fugitive slave. Individuals found guilty of aiding or harboring runaway slaves could face fines and imprisonment.


5. Capture and Return: Law enforcement officials and even ordinary citizens were empowered to capture and return fugitive slaves to their owners. The law encouraged the active participation of citizens in the apprehension of alleged runaways.


The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 was highly controversial and intensified tensions between the Northern and Southern states over the issue of slavery. It was criticized by abolitionists and anti-slavery activists who viewed it as a violation of individual rights and a means of perpetuating the institution of slavery.