CRIME AND PUNISHMENT KEY DATES

The Norman Conquest - William I crowned king

1066

Murdrum fines introduced

1070

Forest Laws introduced

1072

Introduction of coroners

1194

Trial by Ordeal abandoned by the Catholic Church

1215

Church forbids all trial by ordeal

1215

Introduction of constables

1285

Justices of the Peace appointed for all areas

1327

Vagabonds and beggars act

1494

Witchcraft Act makes witchcraft punishable by death

1542

Matthew Hopkins witch hunts

1645-47

The Poor Law

1601

The Gunpowder Plot

1605

Transportation to North America begins

1615

Civil War

1642

Transportation Act

1718

Black Acts make poaching punishable by death

1723

Fielding brothers set up Bow Street Runners

1748

Gaols Act

1774

John Howard's 'The State of Prisons' is published

1777

Transportation to Australia begins

1778

Elizabeth Fry begins visiting prisoners at Newgate

1813

Robert Peel sets up the Metropolitan Police

1829

Punishable of Death Act reduces number of crimes punishable by death to 60

1832

Jack the Ripper murders

1833

Tolpuddle Martyrs

1834

Transportation abolished

1857

Pentonville prison opens

1842

CID set up

1878

WWII Conscientious Objectors:

1939-45

WWI conscientious objectors

1914-18

Borstals introduced young offenders

1900

Executions of under-18s ends

1933

Execution of Derek Bentley

1953

Last execution in the UK

1964

Death penalty abolished for most crimes

1965

Sexual Offences Act decriminalises homosexuality

1967

Abolition of capital punishment for murder

1969

Domestic Violence Act makes domestic violence a crime

1976

Neighbourhood Watch

1982

Racial and Religious Act makes racial abuse a crime

2006