From a legal perspective the first step in ending slavery in new england resulted in

From a legal perspective, the first step in ending slavery in New England resulted in Gradual Abolition (act abolishing slavery adopted by a democracy). New England used gradual emancipation programs. Gradual abolition was a comfortable process, allowing a gradual change in society, and it allowed northern whites to transfer their assumptions about slaves and race onto the freed population. And because of this process, the institution of slavery was present in the North far longer than many people realize. The passage of the law was delayed due to the war.