Narratives against Enslavement from the Court Rooms of Nineteenth-Century Brazil: Fighting for Freedom

This book explores the enslavement system in nineteenth-century Brazil and how lawyers and plaintiffs used the legal system to fight for freedom. It analyzes 30 individual cases from various parts of imperial Brazil and demonstrates the strategies of argumentation that lawyers and plaintiffs conceived to prove the right to freedom of the parties involved. The book focuses on the discursive space of courts and provides new insights for specialists in this field.

Format: Hardback
Length: 254 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In the depths of nineteenth-century Brazil, a profound examination of the enslavement system takes place, shedding light on the strategies employed by lawyers and plaintiffs to fight for freedom in the courts. This captivating book delves into the intricate narratives of enslaved and freed individuals who sought legal recourse to reclaim their rights and the freedom of their loved ones. Collectively, these legal cases form a powerful narrative against the oppressive institution of slavery. By meticulously analyzing 30 individual cases (spanning from 1810 to 1881) from diverse regions within imperial Brazil, this book unveils the intricate strategies of argumentation devised by lawyers and plaintiffs to establish the right to freedom for the parties involved and to persuade the authorities of its validity.

Enslaved persons did not limit their protests to mere acts of rebellion, flight, refusal to work, or everyday resistance. Instead, they also made a significant statement in the legal sphere, challenging the very foundations of enslavement. This intellectual triumph was achieved through the collaborative efforts of lawyers and enslaved plaintiffs, who crafted their arguments through captivating stories of injustice, rather than relying on theoretical treatises on the right to liberty. While the study of abolition in Brazil has primarily focused on public discourse, legislative decrees, and protest movements, this book takes a unique approach by delving into the discursive realm of courts. It offers a comprehensive overview of the enslavement system while providing a detailed analysis of the fierce fight for freedom within these judicial spaces.

Narratives of Enslavement stands as a valuable resource for students, nonspecialist readers, and specialists alike. It provides a comprehensive exploration of the historical context, legal proceedings, and the human stories that unfolded within the courts. This book offers fresh insights and perspectives, enriching our understanding of the complex dynamics of slavery and the pursuit of freedom in nineteenth-century Brazil.

Weight: 660g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032320014