Attitudes to Crime and Punishment Flashcards
6 key reasons why we punish people
To retribute
To discipline
To reform
To protect
To deter
To keep order
3 key reasons why overtime attitudes to punishment have evolved
Reflect developments in society
Reflect changes in social attitudes
Reflect the role and purpose of government in protecting individuals and their property
6 key reasons why reasons we punish criminals has changed overtime
Social change
Role of media
Ideas and attitudes
Actions of individuals
Wealth and poverty
Fear of crime
How has the role of media changed attitudes to punishment over time
Media can influence people in debate over abolition of death sentence
2 key reasons why bloody code was introduced
Social change (growing industrial towns and migrating between towns made it harder to enforce law and order) - needed as harsh punishment to deter people from committing crimes
From 1688 rich landowners had the power to pass laws through parliament to protect their property and wealth
Why was the bloody code abolished
Crowds that watched public executions were huge threat to law and order itself
Juries increasingly unwilling to carry out death penalty as they thought it was too harsh
1770-1830 35,000 death sentences were passed but only 20% of offenders were actually hanged
Juries found reasons for offenders to not be guilty to avoid public execution
Between 1770 and 1830 there were how many death sentences passed
35,000
Between 1770 and 1830 out of 35,000 death sentences passed how many offenders were actually hanged
20%
When did public executions end
1868
Arguments for death penalty
Dead murderers can’t kill again
Acts as ultimate deterrent
Prisons too expensive
Protects police and prison staff
Arguments against death penalty
Wrong person may be hanged
Against certain religions e.g christian teachings
No chance to reform
