What is the Spanish term for the practice of freeing slaves in New Orleans?

The correct answer, "Coartación," refers specifically to a legal practice established in colonial Spanish America, including New Orleans, that allowed enslaved people to purchase their freedom or could be granted freedom under certain conditions. This term highlights the unique systems of slave law that existed in areas governed by Spanish colonial rule. In New Orleans, this practice involved a formal process where enslaved individuals could negotiate for their freedom, often involving payments or the attainment of certain conditions demonstrating their worthiness of liberty.

In contrast, "Emancipación" generally refers to the larger concept of emancipation, often linked to broader movements aimed at abolishing slavery entirely, rather than the specific practices related to freeing individuals within the existing framework. "Abolición" signifies the complete abolition of slavery itself, which is a different concept that does not capture the nuances of how individuals could achieve freedom under Spanish law. "Libertad" simply means "freedom" and does not specifically relate to the legal practices regarding the emancipation of enslaved persons within New Orleans. Therefore, "Coartación" is the most accurate term in the context of the question.