What were slave codes? (1 point) Responses state laws to control slaves state laws to control slaves conduct standards slaves held themselves to conduct standards slaves held themselves to state laws to expand slavery state laws to expand slavery national laws to limit slavery
Slave codes were state laws that were enacted to control and regulate the behavior, movement, and freedoms of enslaved individuals. These laws varied from state to state but generally aimed to ensure the dominance of white slave owners and restrict the rights and liberties of enslaved people. Slave codes often prohibited enslaved individuals from learning to read and write, owning property, gathering in large groups, practicing their own religions, and even controlling their own bodies and labor. These laws were designed to maintain and expand the institution of slavery and were primarily enforced at the state level. National laws, on the other hand, such as the Fugitive Slave Act, were enacted to support and protect slave owners' rights to reclaim escaped slaves.
