Changing attitudes to punishment c1700-c1900 Flashcards
`What was the death penalty known as?
It was known as the bloody code.
Why was the death penalty questioned?
-Hanging not seen as an effective deterrent.
- Death penalty seen as inhumane.
- Alternative punishments available
- More people think criminals should have a chance to reform.
Why were executions made public and what were they seen as?
-Made public events and a spectacle that people would fear.
-However, in many cases executions attracted a large crowd and a carnival atmosphere.
What were the concerns of public executions?
-Crowds were often drunk and disorderly
-Most executions were fun not solemn.
-Criminals treated as heroes which mocked the authorities.
-Pickpocketing and prostitution.
When did public executions end?
In 1868.
When did transportation to Australia begin and when did it end?
Started in 1610 and ended 1783 due to America becoming free from Britain.
What was the transportation seen as?
Seen as a more effective deterrent and more humane than the death penalty for petty crimes.
What would they do in Australia?
They would help Britain build new colonies.
How long was the sentence?
7 years.
What was the reasons for ending the transportation?
Australians believed ex-convicts were responsible for the high crime rates.
- Convicts took jobs and employers could pay lower wages.
-became less deterrent
-The cost of running the prison in Australia was high.
What were the prisons used as before?
Holding a suspect in run-up to trial or punishment.
What were the common views about prisons?
-Opportunity to change or rehabilitate a person.
-punish and deter others from crime
- Include hard work to pay back society
-Made society safer by keeping the criminals separate.
Who were the 2 main prison reformers?
Elizabeth Fry and John Howard.
What 3 factors were the prison reform influenced by?
-Government.
-Individuals.
-Changing ideas and attitudes.
