"Fugitive slaves" refers to enslaved individuals who have escaped their masters or owners and are trying to avoid being captured and returned to slavery. They are running away seeking freedom. Full definition
Examples of juror veto include juror refusal to convict violators of the federal Fugitive Slave Act, prohibition - era juror refusal to convict people with whiskey, and jurors today refusing to convict peaceful gun owners, property owners, war protesters, tax protesters, and alternative medical therapy patients. (fija.org)
Of course, by this logic, so were supporters of antebellum laws that permitted slavery, yet required no one to own slaves or to demand return of fugitive slaves.) (firstthings.com)
Do you remember what Emerson said about that detestable Fugitive Slave Law which required all Americans to help return escaping slaves to their southern masters? (religion-online.org)