"And be it further enacted, That when a person held to service or labor in any State or Territory of the United States, has heretofore or shall hereafter escape into another State or Territory of the United States, the person or persons to whom such service or labor may be due... may pursue and reclaim such fugitive person." — Fugitive Slave Act, 1850
The 1850 act differed most significantly from the 1793 fugitive slave law by:
- A
Granting accused fugitives the right to a jury trial in free states
- B
Requiring Southern states to compensate the federal government for enforcement
- Ccheck_circle
Empowering federal commissioners to compel Northern citizens to assist in capture
- D
Limiting recapture to slaves who escaped after the law's passage
Explanation
The 1850 law created federal commissioners with sweeping powers, denied jury trials to the accused, and required citizen cooperation under penalty of fines—innovations that made it far harsher than the 1793 statute.