Prigg And Fugitives Research Paper

156 Words1 Pages
In northern states that strongly opposed slavery, laws were passed in order to undermine federal law; liberty laws placed the burden of proof on masters in cases concerning alleged fugitive slaves. Such law was enacted in Pennsylvania in 1826, requiring state certification before alleged fugitives could be returned. When Edward Prigg, a professional slave catcher, attempted to capture a fugitive slave residing in the state, he was arrested on kidnapping charges for failing to acquire necessary certification. The Supreme Court ruled in Prigg v. Pennsylvania (1842) that the state’s law could not interfere with federal action regarding fugitives and the right of slaveholders to recover property; it also found that states would not be obligated