EVENT INFORMATION

22
December
1775

A Jamaican statute confirms the inheritance of enslaved people through wills

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๐Ÿ“… 22 December 1775 ๐Ÿ“ Jamaica

The assembly confirmed that wills could transfer enslaved people as property, including some wills that did not meet the English Statute of Frauds. It set a future standard for wills to be properly executed and recorded. The law was framed around disputes between heirs and beneficiaries; enslaved people appear as property passed between them. This record shows how colonial law secured family wealth through human ownership.

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People in this event

enslaved Jamaicans

heirs and beneficiaries

Jamaican lawmakers

Organizations in this Event

Jamaican Governor

Council and Assembly

Secretaryโ€™s Office