Crime and Punishment Flashcards
1
Q
What was Wergild?
A
A compensation paid to the victims of a crime or their families.
2
Q
What time period did Wergild exist?
A
Anglo Saxon
3
Q
What was the purpose of Wergild?
A
To avoid blood feuds
4
Q
What was corporal punishment?
A
A range of punishments that caused harm or pain to the body - including being beaten.
5
Q
Give examples of Corporal Punishment
A
Stocks And Pillory
6
Q
What was the purpose of corporal punishment?
A
- To act as a deterrent
7
Q
What change was made to Wergild fine by William I?
A
Fines were now paid to the King’s officials
8
Q
Why did William I make changes to the Wergild fine?
A
To increased the centralisation of law enforcement and extend the control of the King.
9
Q
In what time period was Hung Drawn and Quartering introduced as a punishment?
A
Late Medieval Period
10
Q
What crime would result in the criminal being hung@drawn and quartered?
A
High Treason
11
Q
Describe the punishment of Hung@ Drawn and Quartered
A
The criminal would be semi-strangled@ revived@ his abdomen cut open and intestines drawn out
12
Q
Why did treason always see capital punishment throughout the medieval period?
A
The King was the most powerful person in the country@ betraying him would’ve been seen as the worst possible crime a person could commit therefore the only rightful punishment would be death.
13
Q
Explain why Normans made changes to crime and punishments after the Norman Conquest
A
Establish Control - Forest Laws - Symbol of Dominance
14
Q
What was the main purpose of prisons in the Early Modern Period?
A
It wasn’t necessarily a punishment in it’s own right; it was more like a holding cell.
15
Q
State the punishments for vagabondage in the Early Modern Period
A
- Whipping
16
Q
In what year was the vagrancy act put into place?
A
1547
17
Q
Give an example of a purpose-built prison in the Early Modern Period
A
Bridewell prisons which were built specifically to hold the poor
18
Q
Describe the Bloody Code
A
This was the increase in the amount of crimes that were punishable by the death penalty. This number has risen to 50 by 1688 and further to 160 by 1765.
19
Q
Why did law makers introduce the bloody code?
A
- People were worried about the rate of crime
20
Q
Where would prisoners have been transported to in the Early Modern Period?
A
North America
21
Q
How many years could someone be transported as an alternative to execution?
A
14 years
22
Q
What were the economic benefits of Transportation to America?
A
England wanted to establish permanent colonies in North America and convicts could be used to populate and provide manpower
23
Q
How did Transportation to North America act as retribution?
A
Criminals were sent away to America deliberately to separate criminals and their families
24
Q
Who introduced transportation?
A
James I
25
Why was there a decrease in the death penalty in the Industrial Period?
- Hanging was not seen as an effective deterrent
26
Why was there a decrease in public executions in the industrial period?
- People thought that those being put to death should have more dignity
27
Summarize the aims/goals of the Gunpowder plot
It aimed to set off an explosion to kill the King and those close to him at the state opening of the parliament. They wanted to replace James I with his daughter
28
Why did the gunpowder plot fail?
Lord Monteagle received a warning not to attend@ which he extended to Robert Cecil@ the King's spymaster.
29
What was burning mainly used as a punishment for?
Heresy
30
What was the rack?
A wooden frame that would stretch the limbs@ forcing them apart at the joints
31
What was the punishment for the conspirators of the gunpowder plot?
Torture and Hung@ Drawn and Quartering
32
What were some consequences of the Gunpowder plot?
- Encouraged Anti-Catholic attitudes by the 'Kingsbook' with uncovered the plot
33
How did transportation change after 1783?
England lost colonies as a result of American Independance so could no longer transport prisoners there. They started transporting to Australia
34
Why did transportation to Australia end by 1868?
Australia was now an attractive place to go and they didn't want criminals
35
Who were the 2 main prison reformers?
Elizabeth Fry
36
What did the Gaols act of 1823 state prisons should be like?
- Prisoners should receive regular visits from prison chaplains
37
When was Pentonville prison built?
1842
38
Describe the conditions of Pentonville Prison
- Walls were thick to present prisoners from communicating between cels
39
What were the strengths of Pentonville Prison?
Compared to previous prisons@ it was clean and there was far less disease
40
What were the weaknesses of Pentonville Prison?
The continuous isolation led to mental health issues and high rates of suicide
41
What reformer played a huge part in the 1823 Gaols act but was critiscised for being too lenient?
Elizabeth Fry
42
What reformer@ whilst Sheriff of Bedfordshire@ inspected prisons and was shocked by what they found?
John Howard
43
Describe Elizabeth Fry's role in prison reforms
- She visited women in Newgate prison and was shocked to find 300 women and children crammed into 3 prisons
44
Describe John Howard's role in prison reforms
In 1777@ they published a report: The State of Prisons in England and Wales after vising other prisons which highlighted problems with the old prison system@ especially the fees prisoners had to pay.
45
What year was solitary confinement ended?
1922
46
Why was solitary confinement ended?
It was gradually thought to be inhumane and did not encourage rehab
47
When was the first open prison opened and what did it allow prisoners to do?
The first open prison was opened in 1934 and allowed prisoners to leave during the day to work
48
What was abolished in 1902?
The hard labour and the crank in prisons
49
Why was the death penalty abolished in 1965?
- There was shift from retribution to rehabilitation
50
Explain how COs were treated in WW1
Some COs and their families were isolated by friends and neighbors
51
Why were attitudes towards COs more lenient in WW2?
They couldn't be punished too harshly as the government would've been seen as hypocritical since they were criticizing Hitler's treatment of his people
52
During WW1@ how many men were COs?
16@500
53
How were COs punished in WW1?
6000 COs were imprisoned. They were held in front of a tribunal who would decide their fate.
54
When did transportation and public execution end?
1868
55
In what year was the last use of the death penalty?
1964
56
Describe crimes against authority
Betraying your king/lord
57
Describe crimes against property
Crimes like theft@ robbery and arson that involved taking or damaging something that belongs to someone else
58
What was a moral crime?
Actions that were frowned upon by society
59
What was the murdrum?
It held everyone in the hundred reponsible for the death of a Norman
60
Why was the murdrum fine introduced?
To establish Norman control by making murdering a Norman severely punishable
61
What was the Statute of Laborers?
It became a crime after the black death to ask for more money as a worker now that there were much less people.
62
Why was the Statute of labourers introduced?
The upper class were worried about the lower class becoming more rich and powerful
63
Why was treason considered the highest crime throughout the medieval period?
The King remained very powerful
64
What was the forest laws?
30% of land would now be protected Royal Forests@ controlled by the new forest laws. Breaking any forest rules@ poaching animals or damaging vegeation was punishable.
65
Why were the forest laws created?
It was a symbol of William I's dominance
66
What was heresy?
beliefs that opposed the official teachings of the church
67
In what period heresy become a crime?
Late Medieval Period
68
Why did heresy become a crime?
To protect the Church
69
Describe the main differences between Catholic and Protestant Beliefs
Catholics thought that the Pope was the head of the Church@ the bible services should be in Latin and that churches should be colorful and lavish.
70
How did heresy and treason become interlinked?
All monarchs from Henry VII onward@ besides Mary I@ were head of the Church of England. Opposing the monarch now meant you were opposing God.
71
What monarch wanted to create a middle way between the two religions?
Queen Elizabeth I
72
What religion was Oliver Cromwell?
Puritan (extreme Protestant)
73
What religious changes did Oliver Cromwell make?
He made activities and entertainment illegal
74
Why did vagabondage become a crime in 1500-1700?
More and more people were moving out villages and into towns looking for work; they became beggars@ tramps and vagrants.
75
Why were there changing definitions of heresy in the period 1500-1700?
The definition of heresy changed continuously due to the constant changing of established beliefs as the monarch changed.
76
Why did smuggling become a crime 1500-1700?
Economic Reasons
77
Describe the rise of poaching in the period 1500-1700
The 18th century enclosure movement meant many small farmers lost their land which also meant their food supply. They saw poaching as a remedy to which they were entitled
78
What was the attitude towards witches in the years 1500-1700?
- People of all backgrounds believed in witches
79
What was it hard to catch a poacher?
Neighbours wouldn't report poachers since the law was seen as unfair
80
By the end of the Early Modern Period@ what was the attitude towards witchcraft?
They were seen as foolish and muddled; trickers trying to take advantage of others
81
Explain why there was a rise in accusations of witchcraft
- Religion was an important part of life. After Henry VIII led the break from the Catholic Church@ people feared the old religion and decided to cleanse society
82
What was the role of Matthew Hopkins in the Witch Hunt?
The witchfinder general@ was a witch hunter in 1645. He ensured 'witches' gave him a list of other 'witches' that he could try.
83
Why did witchcraft accusations decline?
- People demanded clearer evidence
84
Why did smuggling become more problematic in the industrial period? (give examples)
Smugglers started to work in gang. For example@ Hawkhurst Gang controlled smuggling around long stretches of the South Coast
85
What were society's view towards smuggling?
Many people benefitted from the cheapers good and didn't see it as a crime
86
What problems did the authorities have in stopping smuggling?
Smugglers would've often worked at night@ hiding in coves.
87
When did this happen?
It become much less profitable as import duties were reduced in the 1780s then against in the 19th century.
88
Why did Poaching become more problematic in the Industrial period?
There was a rise in large scale gangs@ similar to smuggling
89
What were society's view towards poaching?
The laws were heavily resented because they were viewed as unfair.
90
Why did poaching eventually decline?
- Harsh punishments
91
Why did the death penalty result in the decrease of highway robbery?
The capital punishment acted as a deterrent thus less people would commit the crime.
92
Why did the problem of highway robbery increase in the industrial period?
- Increased wealth and trade meant that people carried large sums of valuables and cash.
93
Who were the tolpuddle martyrs?
A group of farmers in 1834 who were transported to Australia for creating a trades union
94
Why were the Tolpuddle Martyrs arrested?
The authoritise were threatened by a union as they felt the union would interfere with the way they run their business. They were arrested for taking illegal oaths.
95
Why did the tolpuddle martyrs not serve their full sentences?
People were outraged at their imprisonment and campaigned to get them back. Public opinion heavily influenced authorities.
96
What was the attitude towards Domestic Violence in the 19th century?
The common view in soceity was that men were the dominant partners; if they were violent towards their partners it was their business and the authorities had no business interfering.
97
What was the attitude towards Domestic Violence in the 20th century?
The attitude was changing. Women had gained a more valued place in society after WW1 and WW2 and they now had the right to vote. Society wanted equality so significant new laws were created
98
When was the Domestic Violence act passed? What did it say?
The domestic violence act was passed in 1976.
99
What was illegal before 1967 and how was this crime carried out?
Terminating a pregnancy was illegal; if a woman wanted to end a pregnancy she'd resort to a 'backstreet abortion' from someone untrained
100
What led to a change in the laws about abortion?
Growing liberalisation of attitudes in the 1960s led to protests
101
Why was a new law needed for race crimes?
In the 1950s@ many people from from commonwealth countries moved to Britain for work.
102
When was the Race Relations Act put into place? How was it extended in 2006?
In 1968@ the Race Relations Act made it illegal to refuse someone jobs/housing/services on basis of their race.
103
What act decriminalized homosexuality? In what year?
In 1967@ the sexual offences act decriminalised for men over 21 due to growing liberal attitudes.
104
When was homophobia made illegal?
2005
105
Describe 3 old crimes that have new opportunities in Modern Britain
- In the 18th century@ organised smuggling criminal gangs smuggled goods into the country to avoid import duties. Now@ drug smuggling is a multi-million pound industry.
106
Define the Kings Peace
- It was the Kings duty to maintain law and order throughout the country - this was effective because the king was very powerful and people felt they were safe.
107
What was the hue and cry?
System of catching criminals that meant everyone had a duty to raise the alarm if they saw a crime taking place.
108
Why was the hue and cry so effective?
Ignoring a hue and cry could lead to fines - everyone was expected to help out and capture suspects
109
Why were the changes to law enforcement in the Medieval period?
- Normanise England - Trial by Combat
110
In what year did the Pope end all trial by ordeal?
1215
111
What replaced trial by ordeal?
Trial by Jury
112
Define a tithing
Group of 10 men who were each responsible for each other's behaviour
113
Describe the benefit of the clergy
This was where members of the clergy could only be tried in Church courts; which would often be more lenient.
114
Define trial by ordeal
This trial tested whether the accused was innocent or guilty in the eyes of God. Religion had a crucial part to play in medieval lifestyle so God's decision was seen to be final
115
Describe trial by hot iron
The accused would hold a hot iron and walk for 3m. If after 3 days; the wound had healed they were innocent. If it had not healed; they were guilty.
116
Describe trial by cold water
The accused were be lowered into cold water. If they sank; they would be seen as innocent whereas if they floated it would've been as they were being rejected by the water; so they were guilty.
117
Why were oaths important in the Anglo-Saxon period?
Oaths were very effective and are still used today. People feared life after death; they feared God. They wouldn't dare lying under oath for fear of going to hell.
118
What were some problems facing law enforcement in the Early Modern period?
- Increased wealth meant more valuable goods
119
Describe a Night Watchmen
- Volunteers (men) who would patrol the local area after dark with a lamp and ringing a bell
120
Describe the role of a Town Constable
Man appointed by local people to oversee law; stop suspected criminals and turn them in at court
121
Describe the role of a Thief Taker
Essentially a bounty hunter; paid a reward for catching a criminal and delivering them to the law
122
Describe the roles of coroners and justices of peace
Coroners would've investigated unexpected deaths. JPs had the right to fine and arrest people who disturbed peace
123
What was established in 1748?
The Bow Street Runners
124
Who were the Bow Street Runners?
A team of thief takers who patrolled the streets of London at night. They also investigated crimes and presented evidence at court - they charged fees.
125
What did the Bow Street Runners introduce to stop highway men?
Mounted horse patrols
126
In what year were the Bow Street Runners officially paid by the government?
1785
127
What did Robert Peel set up in 1829?
The Metropolitan Police Force
128
Describe what a metropolitan policemen looked like
They wore long blue coats and strengthened tall hats which protected them from blows to the head whilst also could be used to stand on to look over walls.
129
When was the first the first detective Branch established at Scotland Yard?
1842
130
Why did the public not take kindly to detectives?
They were seen as spies on the public
131
What did the 1856 Police Act say?
It was now compulsory for all towns and counties to set up a professional police force that was centrally controlled
132
When was the first Dog Handling unit introduced?
1938
133
What was the Neighbourhood watch?
This was where police in schools and police community support officers work within the community on preventing anti-social behaviour
134
How does CCTV and video surveillance prevent crimes?
People are less likely to commit a crime if they know they're being watched
135
When was the 999 emergency dial introduced?
1933
136
What advancement was made in the 1920s to the police force?
Women were allowed to join
137
Evaluate the effectiveness of the Bow Street Runners
Effective:
138
Evaluate the effectiveness of the Metropolitan Police in 1828
Effective:
139
Evaluate the effectiveness of the Night Watchmen
Effective:
140
Evaluate the effectiveness of Thief Takers
Effective:
