"The Fugitive Slave Acts were a pair of federal laws that allowed for the capture and return of runaway slaves within the territory of the United States. Enacted by Congress in 1793, the first Fugitive Slave Act authorized local governments to seize and return escaped slaves to their owners and imposed penalties on anyone who aided in their flight. Widespread resistance to the 1793 law later led to the passage of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, which added further provisions regarding runaways and levied even harsher punishments for interfering in their capture. The Fugitive Slave Acts were among the most controversial laws of the early 19th century, and many Northern states passed special legislation in an attempt to circumvent them. Both laws were formally repealed by an act of Congress in 1864."

To read more, go to: http://www.history.com/topics/black-history/fugitive-slave-acts

Fugitive Slave Act  by Ken Burns (1:15 mins)

Fugitive Slave Act by History Education (3:13 mins)

Fugitive Slave Act & Mary Ann Shadd Cary - The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 more closely involved the north in the issue of slavery, earning more support for the abolitionist cause. Mary Ann Shadd Cary established a school for escaped slaves in Canada and became North America's first black female newspaper editor. (01:57)

Great Escapes  - Slaves had to make their way to major northern centers to get to the Underground Railroad and people like William Still. They came up with ingenious plans to achieve their freedom. The Fugitive Slave Act was passed in 1850. (11:10)

Slave Escape Success Story - William and Ellen Craft escaped slavery and went to Boston. Slave catchers were sent to bring them back. The Crafts were tracked down but able to escape. The Fugitive Slave Act had a devastating effect on the black community. (02:13)