jan 1, 1641 - Massachusetts Body of Liberties published

Description:

The first legal code established by European colonists in New England

Ensured that white women would receive the fair share of their husband's estate upon his death and protects them from physical correction by their husbands, except in cases of self-defense. However, also justified the enslavement of Africans and Native Americans.

https://archive.csac.history.wisc.edu/6_Massachusetts_Body_of_Liberties.pdf

Added to timeline:

Date: