The Code Noir, or "Black Code," was a set of laws established in 1685 by King Louis XIV of France. It regulated the treatment of enslaved people in the French colonies, particularly in the Caribbean. The code aimed to control the lives of enslaved individuals, outlining their rights, duties, and the responsibilities of their owners. The Code Noir also addressed issues such as marriage, religious practices, and punishments for disobedience. While it sought to provide some protections for enslaved people, it primarily served to maintain the institution of slavery and reinforce the power of slave owners in the colonies.