..slave codes..
The series of laws that restricted the behaviors of slaves in each of the American colonies were known as slave codes. These codes were put in place to maintain control over the slave population and to prevent rebellion or insurrection.
Slave codes varied from colony to colony, but generally restricted the freedom of movement for slaves, banned education and assembly among slaves, and enforced strict punishments for slaves who violated the codes. The codes also defined the legal status of slaves as property, with no rights or protections under the law.
Some of the specific provisions of slave codes included restrictions on slaves' ability to travel or gather in groups, prohibitions against teaching slaves to read or write, and harsh physical punishments for disobedience or escape attempts.
The slave codes were an important aspect of the institution of slavery in the American colonies and helped to perpetuate the oppression and exploitation of enslaved people. They were gradually abolished as the abolitionist movement gained momentum in the 19th century and ultimately ended with the abolition of slavery in the United States with the 13th Amendment to the Constitution in 1865.