This study examines how the institutions of court, church, and plantation maintained control over immoral and disorderly behaviors in Mecklenburg County.

The category of crimes examined are called the crimes against order and morals, which include bastardy, adultery, fornication, profane swearing, contempt of court, peace warrants, and drunkenness. 

The crimes against order and morals offer a lens to examine the Mecklenburg County community and their perceptions of moral standards based upon enforcement patterns.