2 - the purpose of punishment in public over time

History

Why were harsh punishments used in the past?

It was believed that harsh punishments would deter others and that retribution would make criminals suffer for their wrongdoing.

Was there an idea of reforming criminals in the past?

No, there was no idea of reforming the criminal—punishments focused on deterrence and retribution.

What were the dominant forms of punishment?

Capital punishment (execution) and corporal punishment (physical punishment) were dominant.

What is capital punishment?

Capital punishment is the execution of a criminal as a form of punishment.

How was capital punishment carried out in the 16th and 17th centuries?

Public executions continued from the medieval period as a way to punish criminals and deter others.

What is corporal punishment?

Corporal punishment is the punishment of the body, used to physically harm the criminal as a deterrent.

Why was corporal punishment used?

Corporal punishment was meant to discourage others from committing crimes.

What were common forms of corporal punishment?

Common forms included whipping or flogging.

Where did corporal punishment usually take place?

It was often carried out in public places, such as marketplaces, to serve as a warning to others.