Slaves were personal property who could be bought, sold, gifted, and inherited according to the whims of their owners. As property, many African Americans were taken from their homes and were never returned. They were sold and became slaves. Slaves were purchased to work on plantations and they were required to perform jobs specified by their masters. Slaves that were rebellious were punished by their masters. Heavy iron rings were placed on the ankle of slaves who ran away or iron rings were placed around their necks. Slaves could not claim self-defense against a white person because complaints were not accepted and no action was registered. Laws were used to immobilize slaves, preventing them from declaring any civil or natural rights against
