18th & 19th Century Britain - Prisons Flashcards
When was the Pentonville Prison built?
1842
Why were the walls thick?
to prevent prisoners talking to each other
Why were the prisoners masked when sent outside?
to prevent communication
How big was each cell?
4m x 2m
What did the prisoners do during the day?
Prisoners undertook monotonous & repetitive work that was done in their cells
Reasons for the separate system?
-rehabilitation: solitude thought to be the best way to provide prisoners w opportunity to reflect on crime, turn to religion & reform
-> additionally, not influenced by other criminals
-retribution: isolation & boredom as made criminal ‘pay’ for crime
-deterrent
strengths of separate system?
-compared to previous prisons - it was clean & less disease
-many thought it was right level of punishment: seen as harsh but not too much
weaknesses of separate system?
-continuous isolation led to mental illness & suicide
-no education / way of learning new skills for prisoners to use when released
Why did Robert Peel reduce number of capital crimes in 1825?
wanted:
-less harsh punishments for petty crimes
-to try to reform petty criminals rather than kill em
When was The Gaols Act?
1823
What did The Gaols Act state?
-chaplains should regularly visit prisoners
-gaolers should be paid
-prisoners should not be put in chains
-> no inspectors to enforce this so impact was limited
Features of Metropolitan Police Officers?
-prevent crime & disorder
-carefully selected & well trained
-full time job
-well paid
-members had uniform
-usually unarmed & trained to use minimum violence
-successfully reduced street crime & disorder
-recognised as honest & trustworthy
Were The Metropolitan Police successful at reducing street crime & disorder?
Yep
