French decree of 1903 barred courts from reclaiming slaves and equalized Africans

Evidence

Roume’s organization of justice in 1903 represented a first tangible antislavery measure consistent with these sentiments. As we have seen, instructions accompanying the decree made clear that masters could no longer use the courts to reclaim a slave, since such a custom was contrary to French civilization. Roume ordered an in-depth study of slavery throughout the federation as well in 1903, that the French might familiarize themselves with the institution they wished to change. That same year he also abolished the patentes de liberte (certificates of liberty), which the French had formerly given to liberated slaves to prove their emancipation. In the eyes of the law, all Africans were now equal. In December 1905, Roume completed his antislavery measures by abolishing the slave trade and prohibiting the alienation of any person’s liberty. — Alice L. Conklin, A Mission to Civilize_ The Republican…, 338

Categorization

• DEFINE: Explains what patentes de liberte were — certificates formerly given to liberated slaves.