Which amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime?

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The amendment that abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime, is the 13th amendment. Ratified in 1865, this landmark amendment officially ended the legal institution of slavery in the United States. It changed the legal landscape by ensuring that no individual could be enslaved, aligning with the broader societal movement toward freedom and civil rights following the Civil War.

The notable exception within the amendment permits involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime. This means that individuals who have been convicted of a crime may still be subjected to labor as part of their punishment, a stipulation that has led to various interpretations and discussions about labor practices within the prison system.

Other amendments listed do not address the issue of slavery. The 11th amendment primarily deals with sovereign immunity and the ability of individuals to sue states. The 14th amendment focuses on citizenship rights and equal protection under the law, and the 15th amendment is concerned with voting rights. Hence, the context and content of the 13th amendment make it the correct answer in the context of abolishing slavery and involuntary servitude.

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