The Code Noir

The Code Noir was a set of laws established in 1685 by France to regulate the treatment and rights of enslaved Africans in its colonies. It outlined rules about their work, behavior, and conditions, while also attempting to impose some control over their lives. Although it claimed to regulate slavery humanely, in reality, it institutionalized harsh treatment and denied basic freedoms. The Code Noir reflected the colonial mindset—aiming to organize slavery systematically—while also attempting, on paper, to enforce religious and moral codes.