Watch Live
Watch
Origin of Everything
Watch Episode

The Racist Origins of U.S. Law

Season 3 Episode 15

Danielle analyzes the discriminatory history of US law.

Laws are intended to maintain order and promote justice, but what happens when those laws promote and spread discrimination and bigotry? Today Danielle analyzes the discriminatory history of US law, tracing its origins in colonialism and chattel slavery up through the Jim Crow era and today's mass incarceration.

AIR DATE 8/6/20

Videos

  • Farewell
    S3 E26
    Farewell
  • Did Europeans Enslave Native Americans?
    S3 E25
    Did Europeans Enslave Native Americans?
  • The History of Reparations
    S3 E24
    The History of Reparations
  • Evolution of Law Enforcement
    S3 E23
    Evolution of Law Enforcement
  • Health Disparities in the Black Community: Past & Present
    S3 E22
    Health Disparities in the Black Community: Past & Present
  • Why Do We Have Political Parties?
    S3 E21
    Why Do We Have Political Parties?
  • HIV/AIDS: What Can We Learn From America's Last Epidemic?
    S3 E20
    HIV/AIDS: What Can We Learn From America's Last Epidemic?
  • Why Do We Say "African American"?
    S3 E19
    Why Do We Say "African American"?
  • History of Socialism in America
    S3 E18
    History of Socialism in America
  • The Homophobic Origins of U.S. Law
    S3 E17
    The Homophobic Origins of U.S. Law
  • Why Do We Shake Hands?
    S3 E16
    Why Do We Shake Hands?
  • The Racist Origins of U.S. Law
    S3 E15
    Now Playing
    The Racist Origins of U.S. Law
  • Why Do We Say "Latino"?
    S3 E14
    Why Do We Say "Latino"?
  • How Did Pride Become a Parade?
    S3 E13
    How Did Pride Become a Parade?
  • Concentration Camps Are Older Than World War II
    S3 E12
    Concentration Camps Are Older Than World War II
  • How We Discovered Germs
    S3 E11
    How We Discovered Germs
  • 6 Surprising Facts About the 19th Amendment
    S3 E10
    6 Surprising Facts About the 19th Amendment
  • Economic Lessons from Past Pandemics
    S3 E9
    Economic Lessons from Past Pandemics
  • Where did Advice Columns Come From?
    S3 E8
    Where did Advice Columns Come From?
  • What Does It Mean to Be a "Good" Student?
    S3 E7
    What Does It Mean to Be a "Good" Student?
  • Why Are There 12 People on a Jury?
    S3 E6
    Why Are There 12 People on a Jury?
  • The Rise of E-Cigarettes: Why is Everyone Vaping?
    S3 E5
    The Rise of E-Cigarettes: Why is Everyone Vaping?
  • Why Does "Straight" Mean Heterosexual?
    S3 E4
    Why Does "Straight" Mean Heterosexual?
  • The Science Behind Why We Love Boy Bands
    S3 E3
    The Science Behind Why We Love Boy Bands
  • The Rise of Beer
    S3 E2
    The Rise of Beer
  • The Problem with Museums
    S3 E1
    The Problem with Museums
    • About Origin of Everything

    Every aspect of our daily reality, whether its the words we use, the pop culture we love, the technology that get us through the day, or even the identities we give ourselves, emerge from thousands of intersecting histories. And on this show, we’re going to explore them ALL! . . . Okay, maybe not ALL, but you get the idea.

    Broadcast Dates
    This show is not scheduled to air soon.
    Other Shows You May Like
    See All Shows
    • In Performance at the White House
    • Marie Antoinette
    • Unforgotten on Masterpiece
    • Persuasion
    • Quietest Place On Earth
    • Scotland's Scenic Railways
    See All Shows
    Watch Your Shows Many Ways

    Click over to tpt.org/shows to watch your favorite TPT productions and PBS shows, anytime and anywhere.

    Not only will this site work on your laptop or desktop computer, you'll also feel right at home on any modern smartphone or tablet. Stream away...

    Other Ways to Watch
    Twin Cities PBS

    © 2025 Twin Cities Public Television

    Top
    To Top