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Slavery and the Making of AmericaDramatic re-enactment of a slave in uniform
Time and Place Slave Memories Resources The Slave Experience

The Slave Experience: Legal Rights & Gov't
Intro Historical Overview Character Spotlight You be the Judge Personal Narratives Original Docs
You be the Judge Legal Rights & Gov't
Commonwealth v. Nathaniel Jennison
The prosecution claims that Jennison is guilty of the assault and battery of Quack Walker, a free man.
Continue to evidence
The Counsel The Judge
Attorney General for the Government Chief Justice Cushing
The Prosecution's Argument The Defendant's Rebuttal
Jennison is guilty of the 1781 assault and battery of Quack Walker, a free man. Walker is the property of Jennison, who had the legal right to reclaim his slave.

Photo of the Massachusetts Constitution
The Laws

Massachusetts Constitution - Preamble
Massachusetts Constitution - Part One
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SLAVERY AND THE MAKING OF AMERICA is a production of Thirteen/WNET New York.
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