crime and punishment

📅 Key Dates & Events

🏰 Medieval to Early Modern (c.1000–1700)

• 1166 – Assize of Clarendon: Introduced by Henry II, establishing prisons and royal judges.

• 1215 – Abolition of Trial by Ordeal: Marked a shift towards more rational legal procedures.

• 1542 – First Witchcraft Act: Made witchcraft a capital offense.

• 1592 – Vagrancy Act: Imposed harsh penalties on the homeless, reflecting societal fears of disorder

• 1723 – Black Act: Made poaching and other offenses capital crimes, expanding the "Bloody Code."

• 1777 – John Howard's Report: Highlighted prison conditions, influencing future reforms.

• 1823 – Gaols Act: Initiated prison reforms, including regular inspections and payment for jailers.

• 1834 – Tolpuddle Martyrs: Six men transported for forming a trade union, highlighting labor tensions.

🧬 Modern Britain (c.1900–Present)

• 1902 – Borstals Introduced: Established separate institutions for young offenders.

• 1947 – Mandatory Police Training: Standardized training for all new police recruits.

• 1967 – Sexual Offences Act: Decriminalized homosexuality in private between consenting adults.

• 1998 – Complete Abolition of Death Penalty: Removed capital punishment for all crimes.

  Lesser-Known Topics to Explore

1. Justices of the Peace (1361)

Local magistrates appointed to maintain law and order, a precursor to modern policing.Knowunity+2Knowunity+2Save My Exams+2

2. Matthew Hopkins' Witch Hunts (1645–1647)

Known as the "Witchfinder General," his actions led to numerous executions, reflecting societal fears and superstitions.Save My Exams

3. Transportation to Australia (1787–1868)

Used as an alternative to capital punishment, convicts were sent to penal colonies, impacting both British and Australian societies.

4. Elizabeth Fry's Prison Reforms (1813 onwards)

Advocated for humane treatment of prisoners, especially women, leading to significant changes in prison conditions.Save My Exams+1Knowunity+1

5. Introduction of Fingerprinting (1901)

Revolutionized forensic science and criminal investigations in Britain.