8. Legal Framework
The legal framework surrounding slavery played a crucial role in enabling Franklin & Armfield’s operations. Both state and federal laws were designed to support and protect the institution of slavery, creating an environment that allowed slave trading to flourish.
For instance, the Fugitive Slave Act mandated that escaped enslaved individuals be returned to their owners, while various state statutes enforced strict penalties for those who assisted runaways. Additionally, the lack of effective federal regulations regarding the slave trade allowed for rampant exploitation. This intricate legal support system provided a veneer of legitimacy to their brutal practices, facilitating the continuation of human trafficking.
