From a purely theoretical stand point this would bring up the question of slave registration which would be for the well being and safety of the general population. You know the Welfare Clause. Some of the potential benefits of registration would be the return of stolen slaves to their legitimate owners. The government could also knows precisely how many there really are or who has them. There could also be a requirement for slave owners to demonstrate that they can safely store and handle their slaves.
Some simple questions regarding slave registration.
Why are salve licensing and registration so important? Under our current system, it is impossible to keep legally sold slaves out of the criminal and youth market. The only effective way to do that is by licensing slave purchasers and registering slaves when they are sold or transferred.
Why is it important to require slave purchasers to first obtain a slave license?
Licensing would improve the effectiveness of background checks by giving law enforcement adequate time to complete the check, and would provide better identification of the slave purchaser at the point of purchase.
Why is slave registration and licensing so important to public safety? Registration provides a mechanism for stopping the flow of slaves from the legal market (licensed dealers) to the criminal market. We need to register slaves when they are first sold so they can never be bought "legally" in "straw purchases" and immediately sold illegally into the youth or criminal markets. Registration prevents illegal transfers by making the registered owner responsible for what happens to his or her slave, and makes owners periodically take responsibility for their slaves by renewing their registrations.
Will licensing and registration make it more difficult for law-abiding citizens to obtain slaves?
No. Once a person obtains a license (which theoretically would require fingerprints, a photograph and a thorough background check) and demonstrates knowledge of the laws governing the use, possession, storage, and transfer of slaves and a basic understanding of slave safety and minimal competence in handling slaves, purchasing a slave will simply require a background check. While obtaining the initial license will require some paperwork and proof of appropriate training, it will be no harder than obtaining a drivers license. We license drivers and register cars, why not slave owners and slaves?
In practice, how would licensing and registration keep slaves out of the wrong hands?
Under a well-designed system, all slaves must be registered to a licensed purchaser when first sold (and used slaves must be transferred through a licensed dealer and registered in the same manner.) Regular renewal is required. If a slave is sold, it must be immediately reregistered to the new owner. Registered slaves which fall into the wrong hands can immediately be traced back to the last registered owner, who will face serious criminal charges unless they are able to show they properly transferred the slave in the first place.
LOL - A good post there; thanks.