Some slave owners used to whip their slaves, but others would whip their slaves and then put them into a tobacco smokehouse. When slave owners used this form of punishment, it was considered smoking their slaves. Another punishment was being pushed down a steep hill. Slaves were always being branded, forcibly submerged under water, put up for sale, kicked, tied up, and/or tarred and feathered. Since they were trying to get away, slave owners had them chased by dogs. When and if they were caught they were hit by paddles, whipped, and/or had a part of their body cut off: this was considered a death sentence. The only way slaves could avoid severe punishment was for them to do what they were told to do, when they were told to do it.
Whipping was mainly used to control the slave's behaviors. The number of lashes that a slave received reflected the seriousness of the offense. On some plantations there were 39 lashes. A specific person, Francis Fredric, ran away and had freedom for nine weeks; however, when he was caught he received 107 lashes from his owner. For Moses Roper it was different; he received 200 lashes and would have gotten more if the master's wife had not pleaded for her husband to stop. It did not matter if the slave was a woman or a man, they were still whipped.
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Slavery is illegal and considered a crime against humanity. Perpetrators can face legal consequences such as imprisonment, fines, or other penalties. Additionally, there may be civil penalties for violating human rights and labor laws.
Aztec punishments included fines, slavery, mutilation, exile, or death, depending on the severity of the crime. Common offenses included theft, adultery, or disrespect towards the gods. Public humiliation was also used as a form of punishment.
The Virginia law supported slavery by legalizing the institution and providing protections for slave owners, while restricting the rights and freedoms of enslaved individuals. This was done through laws that defined enslaved people as property, denied them basic human rights, and enforced punishments for any attempts to resist or escape enslavement.
Abolitionists who were caught with slaves could face fines, imprisonment, or even violence from pro-slavery groups or individuals. In some cases, they risked their lives to assist escaped slaves on the Underground Railroad.
Punishments for not following slave codes were severe in order to maintain control and obedience among enslaved individuals. Harsh consequences served as a deterrent to rebellion and resistance, ensuring that slaves complied with the rules and expectations set by their owners. The fear of punishment helped to perpetuate the system of slavery and reinforce the power dynamic between slave owners and enslaved people.
Slavery is illegal and morally wrong. It is important to focus on promoting human rights, equality, and justice rather than discussing punishments for individuals who were victims of slavery.