18-19th Century Crime and Punishment Flashcards
(45 cards)
How did the crime smuggling stay similar to the early modern?
Remained a social crime as both rich and poor benefited from cheap luxury goods.
Smugglers used the cover of darkness and an unlimited number of hidden coastal coves to bring in goods.
How did the crime of smuggling change from early modern?
Became harder for authorities to tackle as smuggling gangs became more organised.
Some smugglers became heroes to the local people for providing cheap goods. Includes Hawkhurt gang who smuggled goods along south coast between 1735-49.
Why did the rate of smuggling decline since the early modern period??
Government reduced import duty - making goods cheaper.
Watchtowers build along south coast.
Coast guard formed in 1820s.
How did poaching stay similar from the early modern period?
Remained a common crime for those in poverty.
Remained a social crime - many poachers were poor and others were reluctant to report crime out of sympathy.
How did the crime of poaching change from early modern period?
increased in 1700s.
Poachers formed bigger and more organised gang.
Led to Waltham Black act 1723 which made poaching a capital crime in line with bloody code.
Illegal to own hunting dogs or carry snares.
Why did poaching decline in 1800s?
1823, black act was repealed (no longer a law) and so poaching was no longer a capital crime.
People saw the law as too unfair.
How did highway robbery change in the 17-1800s?
Made into capital crime in 1772.
Increased dramatically in the time as ;
more people moved goods and money between towns using new roads.
Increase trade between towns meant there were more goods and money for robbers to take.
No banks and the rich took large sums of money on their journeys.
More stagecoaches (carriages)
Roads were still isolated - robbers could hide easily.
How did highway robbery decline in the 1800s?
Horse mounted patrols were placed along major routes.
banks were built meaning few people carried large sums of money around.
Last report case of highway robbery was in 1831.
What’s a Martyr?
Person/group who suffer to highlight an issue.
Why were the authorities extra strict on crimes against authority against government in the 1800s?
british government feared a revolution like the french revolution (1789.)
What happened in Toldpuddle, Dorset?
(Tolpuddle Martyrs)
1834
1834, group of farm worker in tolpuddle formed a ‘friendly society’ (trade union now). Wanted to protest against lower wage.
Only earned 6 shillings a week, whilst the average wage was 10.
How did they arrest the tolpuddle martyrs and why?
Feared more farm workers would join Tolpuddle Friendly Society and become stronger - perhaps even go on strike:
Used an outdated law to stop mutiny in navy to arrest 6 men from Tolpuddle on charge of taking an illegal secret oath.
What was the Tolpuddle Martyrs punishment??
Seven years transportation to Australia. Most severe punishment they could be given for their crime. Government hoped this would deter future trade unions.
What was the public and press reaction to the Tolpuddle Martyrs arrest and punishment?
Press organised a mass protest of 100k people in London and 200k signature petition opposing their punishment was presented to parliament.
What happened when the government sent the Tolpuddle Martyrs to Australia despite protests?
Further protests happened.
Under the pressure, government pardoned the Tolpiddle Martyrs. They were released on their return home in 1838 with a hero’s welcome.
Why were the Tolpuddle Martyrs important?
Shows how willing the government was to change laws or decriminalize actions based on public pressure.
Their treatment proved how government used the law to criminalize people they saw as a threat.
Proved by 1830’s press had powerful influence.
Showed how trade unions were a threat.
Showed how powerful public opinion was in 1800s,
Proved how government wanted to protect own interest and rich employers by punishing workers.
When were the metrapoligsn police formed?
When did having a police force become compulsory across england?
1856.
Who were the Bow Street Runners?
Began in 1748.
Inspired by success of local thief takers who charged a fee for catching criminals.
Began foot patrols on road and horseback patrol.
shared information about criminals.
Sought out evidence for crimes.
Began to get paid by gov. in 1785.
Who created the metropolitan police act?
Home secretary, robert peel.
When were first national crime records developed?
1869.
When was the CID (Criminal investigation department)
set up)?
1878.
when was the peak for the bloody code?
How many crimes were punishable by death then?
1810.
222.
Why did attitudes change to do with capital crimes and bloody code?
Because of high profile capmaigners.
High profile campaigners like..
Charles dickens.
Elizabeth Fry.
John Howard.
they argued more effective punishment were now available.
Why did attitudes change to do with capital crimes and bloody code?
Because of church
Church argued criminals should have a second chance to reform their ways and rehabilitate.
Argued it was against bible to execute people for minor crimes.
