Crime and punishment In The Modern Period Flashcards
What is smuggling?
illegally moving goods in and out of the country.
What was it difficult for authorities to tackle smuggling?
It was a “social crime” so many people benefitted from the cheaper goods so did not see it as wrong doing. People therefore helped conceal them and didn’t report them. Smugglers also worked at night so they could not be seen large smuggler gangs such as the Hawkhurst Gang controlled it along long stretches of the south coast. They were organised and worked on a large scale.
Why did people argue that smuggling was an issue caused by the government?
Because the government had introduced and extended import duties.
What led to the decline in smuggling?
It became less profitable as prime minister William Pitt lowered import duties in the 1780s and they were then lowered again making it cheaper not smuggle.
What is highway robbery?
A crime involving threatening or attacking travellers and forcing them to hand over valuable possessions.
Why did highway robbery increase in the 18th century?
As trade increased, there was more need to move goods and money around. With no cheques or credit cards people carried large sums of cash with them . There also many isolated country roads where it was easy to not get caught as well as Turnpike Trusts improving roads increasing travel.
Why was highway robbery serious?
It caused disruption in towns, crimes were committed on “the king’s highway” and it often disrupted the postal service.
What was the punishment for highway robbery?
In 1772, the death penalty (hanging) was introduced for anyone armed and in disguise on a highway.
What led to the decline in highway robbery?
It was due to the use of mountain patrols on major roads in the 19th century and the growth of the banking system meaning less need for people to carry large sums of cash.
What were the changes to poaching in this period?
The 1723 Black Act was passed to deal with gangs by making poaching a capital offence. This made it illegal to blacken your face in a hunting area, carrying snares or owning dogs. This was due to the widespread crime and increases in gangs.
Why were the changes to poaching resented?
They were seen as unfair. Only landowners with land worth over £100 a year were allowed to hunt without restrictions.
What happened to the Black Act in 1823?
It was repealed as a part of a large number of legal reforms led by Robert Peel. Poaching was still illegal but no longer punishable by death.
Why was witchcraft decriminalised?
most people no longer believed in witches and witchcraft. People who said that they were witches were seen as confidence tricksters.
What Act was Passed decriminalising witchcraft?
The Witchcraft Act in 1736 during the reign of George II
After the decriminalisation of witchcraft, what were the punishments for people accused?
fines and imprisonments
The story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs-
why was George loveless arrested?
He was supposedly arrested for leaving work, breaking an old navy law meant to stop sailors in the navy organising mutinies. He was actually arrested.though to stop his political activities
The story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs-
what George form?
He formed a “friendly society” (early form of trade union) to protest against low wages.
The story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs-
what happened to them as a result of the “friendly society”?
George and the other men were sentenced to seven years transportation to Australia leading to protests and a demonstration in London in which 100,000 attended. They were therefore welcomed upon their return as heroes.
What were the advantages of transportation?
- They were an alternative to building new prisons
- The prisoners would populate the new colony allowing Britain to secure its ownership
- It was seen as an effective deterrent and more human than the death penalty for petty crimes.
What were the disadvantages of transportation?
- The prison buildings in colonies were overcrowded meaning some prisoners were kept in hulks (floating prisons)
- conditions were harsh and prisoners were kept on chains in prison buildings
- those who had a 7 year sentence could often not afford to return home
- convict workers meant fewer jobs for Australians
- Australia had high crime due to all of the criminals
What was the continuity in policing in the early 18th century?
Watchmen continued to patrol cities on foot at night, parish constables continued to deal with petty crime and watchmen were organised by parish councils to protect private property.
Who were the Bow Street Runners?
They were a crime fighting team established in London in 1748 by the chief Magistrate: Henry Fielding who by 1785, were paid by the government. They introduced new methods of finding evidence to bring criminals to justice (effectively being the first modern detectives).
Who was Robert Peel?
He was a created the first metropolitan police force for London. He made many senior decisions as home secretary and later prime minster to implement his ideas.
Why did Robert Peel form the Metropolitan Police Force?
Due to economic downturn in since 1826, there was increased unemployment and poverty leading to a crime wave and rioting. He wanted a better more centralised system to fight crime.
