9 - abolition of the death sentence

History

What were the main arguments in favor of abolishing the death sentence?

• Innocent people could be wrongly hanged

• It was not a deterrent as most murders are impulsive

• Even the worst criminals can be reformed

• Crime rates did not increase in countries that abolished capital punishment

• It could create martyrs out of criminals and terrorists

What were the main arguments against abolishing the death sentence?

• Hanging was seen as the ultimate deterrent

• A dead murderer cannot kill again

• Keeping murderers in prison is expensive

• The death sentence satisfies the public and the victim's family

How did high-profile cases influence the abolition of the death penalty?

Cases such as Timothy Evans (1950), Derek Bentley (1953), and Ruth Ellis (1955) highlighted injustices and increased calls for abolition.

Who was Timothy Evans, and why was his case significant?

Timothy Evans was hanged in 1950 for murders he did not commit, demonstrating the risk of wrongful execution.

Why was Derek Bentley’s execution controversial?

He was hanged in 1953 for a murder committed by his juvenile accomplice, leading to public outrage.

Why was Ruth Ellis’s execution controversial?

She was hanged in 1955 for the murder of her lover, which some viewed as a crime of passion, sparking debates on the fairness of capital punishment.

What was the Homicide Act of 1957?

It abolished hanging for most murders except for police killings, murder by shooting, or murder while resisting arrest.

What law officially abolished the death penalty in the UK?

The Abolition of the Death Penalty Act of 1969.

When was the last execution in the UK?

13 August 1964.

How have modern attitudes towards punishment changed?

They now focus on rehabilitation and restitution, with alternatives such as parole, Community Orders, and Probation.