Final answer:
Virginia's laws in the 17th century increasingly defined roles based on status, evolving from a system of indentured servitude to institutionalized slavery, with various laws progressively limiting the rights and freedoms of black individuals and strengthening the foundation of racial slavery through draconian measures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Law in the Virginia colony mandated Virginians have specific roles based on their societal status in the 17th century. Initially, the labor needs were met through a system of indentured servants, who were free-born English and other Europeans agreeing to a term of labor in exchange for passage and eventual benefits such as land. This evolved as the need for a stronger labor force grew, and by 1619 land was provided as a headright to those transporting people to the colony to encourage a stable population. However, soon laws began to intensify around the concept of slavery, starting in 1640 when a law excused blacks from the duty of bearing arms for the defense of the colony, moving towards life servitude and further restrictive measures. These culminated in numerous stringent laws, such as one in 1680 forbidding enslaved Africans from carrying weapons, and clarifying in 1662 that blacks could be servants for life. By the 18th century, slavery laws had further codified the system, with dire repercussions for rights and freedoms.