Consolidated Slave Law

The Consolidated Slave Law was a law which was enacted by the Barbados legislature in 1826. Following Bussa's Rebellion, London officials were concerned about further risk of revolts and instituted a policy of amelioration. This was resisted by white Barbadian planters. In consequence, the Consolidated Slave Act was a compromise: it simultaneously granted concessions to the slaves whilst also providing reassurances to the slave owners.

Three concessions to the slaves were:


 * The right to own property
 * The right to give evidence in courts in all cases
 * A reduction in manumission fees

Three concessions granted to the slave owners were:


 * That a white person could kill a slave during a revolt with impunity
 * The capital punishment of any slave who threatened the life of a white person
 * That all free black people needed a correct evidence of the such rights or they will be presumed to be enslaved