Black codes - Essay Example

1. What document did they chose and why?
The ‘Black Codes’ (1865) which were important laws in Mississippi was the document chosen during the time of slavery. These Black codes brought freedom and equality to a certain extent among the Black population.
2. What was the subject matter of each of the documents?
In document 1 the author explains about the Civil Rights of Freedmen in Mississippi and discusses the areas where the Blacks were allowed to exercise their rights and where they could not.
In document 2, we have the Mississippi Apprentice Law that sheds light on how protection was to be given to minors by way of getting them jobs and following their general activities.
In document 3, the Mississippi Vagrant Law is discussed explaining about the people who featured as vagrants which included people like jugglers, night- walkers, beggars, brawlers and drunkards who would be fined or imprisoned if convicted for displaying poor speech and unacceptable behavior.
Document 4 is about the Penal Laws of Mississippi which discussed about the use of firearms and other weapons in a malicious manner causing injury or death. It also discusses about the fines levied and the terms of imprisonment for such people if convicted.
3. What do the documents tell us about the topic they have read about?
All the documents shed light on the laws that were brought out in Mississippi and discusses how they would be implemented if people were guilty and convicted of a crime.