The Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 is a prime example. In doing so, Vermont lawmakers argued that abiding by the Fugitive Slave Law would violate both the state and federal constitutions. The Fugitive Slave Law was part of a series of measures that together became known as the Compromise of 1850. In late September, Congress also passed the Fugitive Slave Law, which constituted a major strengthening of existing laws. Under the new law, Vermont state’s attorneys of each county had to bring any alleged fugitive before a judge.