Slave cases are still cited as good law across the U.S. This team aims to change that

State courts in every state highlighted on this map have cited cases involving enslaved people in the 1980s or later. (Citing Slavery Project, Michigan State University)

This story starts — but certainly doesn't end — in 19th century Maryland, when John Townshend updated his will.

Townshend grew convinced at the end of his life that God would punish him if he did not free the enslaved people he owned and give them all of his property. But Townshend's relatives challenged his final wishes in court, arguing that his decision had been the result of a delusion.