What are the Kentucky laws re emancipated people?

Question

The following is a section of the 1851 will of [[Lawson-2456|Jacob Lawson]] in Fleming, Kentucky.

"8. My will is that at my death my negro '''Martin''' and my two Negro women '''Hanner''' and '''Milly''' be free and exonerated from servitude to any person on their complying with the requisition of the laws.

What laws would Martin, Hannah and Milly have to follow?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Here is a link to what appears to be a good article on the emancipation process in Kentucky:

https://filsonhistorical.org/wp-content/uploads/publicationpdfs/59-3-4_Kentucky-Law-Concerning-Emancipation-or-Freedom-of-Slaves_Post-Edward-M..pdf

Comments

So much more complicated than I expected, both in constitutional and in case law!

Answer 2

Prior to the Thirteenth Amendment provision existed for servitude for some criminal offenses. Slavery and Involuntary Servitude as a Punishment in …  Thirteenth Amendment to the United States …

In part, that is why chain gangs were abolished; they bordered servitude (forced labor without pay) and cruel and unusual punishment. Chain gang - Wikipedia