Punishment in 1500-1700 Flashcards
1
Q
New punishments:
A
- Hanging-theft, highway robbery, poaching, smuggling
- Burning
- Transportation
2
Q
What were prisons used for in the early 16th century?
A
- Often held petty criminals, vagrants and drunk offenders
- Were not considered a punishment in their own right
- Holding area for punishment to be carried out
3
Q
What were prisons like in the early 16th century?
A
- Inmates had to pay wardens for food and basic needs or went without
- Women, men and children were housed together
- Younger criminals were often bullied and abused or schooled into being more serious crimes
4
Q
What was Bridewell prison and why was it significant?
A
- In 1556, a new house of correction was opened in the disused Bridewell Palace in London
- Used to punish those who has broken the law
- Made to do hard labour
- During the 17th century further similar prisons were opened in London
5
Q
What was the Bloody Code?
A
- By 1688 there were 50 capital crimes
2 Like poaching rabbits or fish to eat - The intention was to create a strong deterrent
6
Q
Why was the Bloody Code flawed and ineffective?
A
- Many crimes were committed out of desperation
- As the punishments were so severe the executions were not always carried out
- Made the message unclear
7
Q
What was transportation to North America?
A
- During the reign of James I 1603-25 transportation to English colonies was introduced
- Taken in chains to the east coast
- Worked for a period of time and did tough manual labour like clearing trees
- Those who were supposed to be executed 14 years
- Petty crimes 7 years
8
Q
Why was transportation favoured by the authorities?
A
- It was seen as an effective deterrent
- Did not have an effective prison system
- Wanted permanent colonies in NA, convicts could be used to populate and give manpower
- New ideas about rehabilitation
- New scenery may encourage them to start a new crime free life
