social studies
slavery before 1844 was there any rights or rules for slaves or their familys. could they just beat them all the time?
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No, there were rules and rights regarding slaves before 1844. The most basic of rights was that slaves were generally treated as property and were therefore not allowed to be mistreated or abused. Though there were laws to protect slaves and their families from the most extreme forms of mistreatment (such as murder, torture, and sexual assault), physical punishment, particularly whipping, was a common means of enforcing discipline. Slaves were also not allowed certain activities like holding religious services or learning how to read and write, among other activities.
