1715 Md. Laws 117
Abstract
An Act for the Speedy Trial of Criminals, and Ascertaining Their Punishment in the County Courts When Prosecuted There, and For Payment of Fees Due From Criminal Persons, ch. 26, § 32: Prohibited "any negro or other slave" from carrying any gun or offensive weapon off their master's land without a ticket.
Summary
This provision prohibits enslaved people from carrying firearms or other weapons off their owner’s property without the master’s permission. Violations could result in corporal punishment and forfeiture of the weapon to the person who seized it and brought the enslaved person before a justice of the peace.
Law Text
XXXII. And be it enacted, by the authority, advice and consent aforesaid, That no negro or other slave within this province shall be permitted to carry any gun, or any other offensive weapon, from off their master's land, without licence from their said master; and if any negro or other slave shall presume so to do, he shall be liable to be carried before a justice of peace, and be whipped, and his gun or other offensive weapon shall be forfeited to him that shall seize the same and carry such negro so offending before a justice of peace.
Description
Categories
ENSLAVED PERSONS & OTHER MINORITIES