Section C: punishment in the 18th and 19th centuries

What was the "Bloody Code"?

The period when many crimes carried the death penalty—50 in 1688, 160 in 1765, and 222 by 1810.

Why did attitudes towards the death penalty begin to change?

Hanging was no longer seen as effective, rehabilitation became popular, and new punishments were available.

When was the last execution for cutting down an orchard?

1814.

When was the last hanging for shoplifting?

1822.

What did the 1823 Judgement of Death Act allow judges to do?

Reduce the death penalty to transportation.

What did the 1832 Punishment of Death Act do?

Reduced capital crimes to 60.

Why were executions traditionally public?

To act as a deterrent.

Why did public executions become unpopular?

They became rowdy, like carnivals, attracting drunken, disorderly crowds and crime.

What humanitarian concern did reformers raise about executions?

That the condemned deserved more dignity.

When were public executions ended?

1868.

Why did Britain stop transporting convicts to America after 1783?

The American War of Independence ended British control of the colonies.

How many people were transported to Australia?

About 160,000 (around one-sixth were women).

Why did the authorities favour transportation?

Cheaper than building prisons and helped populate Australia.

What were hulks?

Disused ships used as floating prisons before transportation.

What were conditions like on the journey to Australia?

Dirty, cramped, prisoners kept below deck; trip lasted up to three months.

Why did transportation become unpopular in Australia?

Belief ex-convicts caused crime and took jobs from free settlers.

Why did transportation decline in Britain?

Seen as inhumane, too expensive, less of a deterrent after gold was discovered, and more prisons were built.

When did transportation to Australia end?

1868.

What key changes were made to prisons between 1815–1865?

1815: jailers paid by taxes;
1823: prisoners categorised;
1835: prison inspections;
1865: national rules for all prisons.

What reforms did John Howard and Elizabeth Fry promote?

Howard: decent food/water, private cells, Christian teaching, wages.
Fry: sewing/Bible lessons, female warders, improved living conditions, and campaigning.