English Learning for Curious Minds #508 | A Short History of Crime and Punishment in Britain
Oct 10, 2024
Dive into the chilling history of crime and punishment in Britain, from the brutal Bloody Code to medieval justice reforms by William the Conqueror. Explore how even minor crimes faced extreme penalties, and learn about the ineffective public executions of the 18th century. Discover the influence of Enlightenment thinkers advocating for rehabilitation over capital punishment. This journey through time reveals the ongoing evolution of the justice system and the challenges it still faces today.
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Les Misérables vs. British Law
- In Les Misérables, Jean Valjean stole bread and received 19 years in prison.
- Had this happened in Britain under the Bloody Code, he could have been executed for this minor theft.
Crime as a Social Construct
- Crime is a human construct, changing across time and cultures.
- Slavery, adultery, and homosexuality demonstrate evolving definitions of crime.
Early Medieval Justice
- Early medieval justice in Britain was a private matter, often resolved through personal agreements or trials by ordeal.
- Trial by ordeal determined guilt or innocence based on divine intervention, like surviving a cold pond or hot iron.