Crime - c1700 - c1900 Flashcards
What are some crimes which became more common?
Street theft and burglary. Drunk and disorderly behaviour. Prostitution and public disorder.
Why did these crimes become more common? (4)
- People travelled more so communities were less tightly knit. 2. Larger towns made it easier to escape. 3. Some criminals became more professional and had gangs of thieves. 4. Extreme poverty led to a rise in “survival crimes” e.g. stealing food.
What were some changes in the definition of crime? (3)
- Highway robbery - crime against the person. 2. Poaching - crime against property. 3. Smuggling - crime against property.
Why did highway robbery increase? (3)
- Improved roads lead to more people travelling. 2. Increased trade and no banks meant goods and money were transported by road. 3. Many roads were isolated
What was an attempt to reduce highway robbery in 1772?
Became a capital crime to be armed and in disguise on a high road. Mounted patrols enforced this and highway robbery completely disappeared in the 1830s.
Give some info about poaching. (3)
- Poaching gangs worked on a large scale. 2. Led to 1723 Waltham Black Act which made poaching a capital crime. 3. Many thought this was unfair and many laws were repealed in 1823.
Give me some info about smuggling (4)
- Increased because the tax on imported goods was so high. 2. Led to large hangs of smugglers e.g. Hawkhurst Gang. 3. Found it hard to prosecute. 4. Taxes were cut in the 1840s and smuggling decreased.
Why did witchcraft stop being a crime?
- Economic and social changed led to more prosperity and political stability. 2. Some still believed but majority became less superstitious. 3. Royal Society; set up by Charles II; led to increased scientific experiments.
What happened with the Tolpuddle Martyrs?
1834 - group of farm workers formed a friendly society (aka trade union). The 6 men were arrested for taking secret oaths. Found guilty and were sentenced to 7 years transportation. Mass protests and a petition of 200000 signatures was collected. 1836 they were pardoned and returned home.
What was the significance of the Tolpuddle Martyrs?
- Illustrates impact of public opinion. 2. Some were inspired to fight for workers’ right but some were put off. 3. Reveals how authorities used laws to criminalise people that they viewed as a threat.
What was some continuity with law enforcement?
Watchmen continued to patrol cities on foot. Parish constables dealt with petty theft and crime. Soldiers put down riots and large protests.
What was a change with law enforcement?
Bow street runners tracked down criminals and stolen property.
Give me some info about the Bow Street Runners
- Established in 1749 by Fielding brothers. 2. 1785 - paid for by the government. 3. First modern “detectives”. 4. Shared info on crimes and suspects with each other - beginning of the crime intelligence network.
What did the 1856 Police Act do?
Made professional police forces based off of the Met. All towns and counties must set up one.
What were some factors which changed people’s views on the purpose of punishment?
- Punishments should be equal to the crime committed (bloody code is not). 2. Corporal and capital crimes were inhumane except from very serious crimes (treason; murder etc). 3. Punishment should be about rehabilitating the offender.
When did the bloody code peak and with how many capital crimes?
1810 - 222 capital crimes.
When was the ending of public executions and what did it lead to?
1868 - decrease in bloody code.
Why did transportation end and when?
- Australia didn’t want criminals near newly discovered gold. 2. Some felt it was too expensive and not a strong enough deterrent. 3. Others felt it was too harsh for families. 4. Prison usage increased and was used instead.
How were prisons like before reform?
Very poor conditions - hard labour
What did John Howard do?
His work led to the 1774 Gaol Act which suggested how health and sanitation in prisons could be improved
What did Elizabeth Fry do?
She began visiting women in Newgate Prison in 1813. She set up education classes to reform female prisoners and got them better food and clothes while treated them with kindness and respect.
When was Pentonville prison built?
1842
Why was Pentonville Prison constructed?
Separate system. 1. For rehabilitation - solitude allowed prisoners to reflect and turn to religion; also no influence by other criminals. 2. Retribution - isolation and boredom made the criminal pay. 3. Deterrent.
What were the strengths of the separate system?
- Clean and less disease. 2. Right level of punishment.
