When was the Code Noir first instituted in French Colonies, including Louisiana?

The Code Noir, which translates to "Black Code," was first instituted in French colonies, including Louisiana, in 1724. This set of laws was established by King Louis XIV to regulate the behavior and treatment of enslaved individuals and free people of color in the colonies. It aimed to provide a legal framework for slavery and addressed various aspects, such as the rights of masters, the treatment of enslaved people, and the conditions under which enslaved individuals could gain their freedom.

The significance of the Code Noir extends beyond its legal implications; it played a crucial role in shaping the social and cultural environment of colonial Louisiana. The laws outlined specific regulations regarding religious practices, marriage, and the acknowledgment of enslaved people's rights to own property or seek legal recourse, although these provisions were limited.

Understanding that the Code Noir was instituted in 1724 provides insight into the colonial governance of Louisiana during a time when the transatlantic slave trade was accelerating, and the institution of slavery was becoming more systematically entrenched in colonial society.