Lesson 26: 1900-present Derek Bentley

• What was Derek Bentley charged with?

  Killing a police officer
• Why was Derek Bentley's case significant?

  It changed public opinion on the death penalty
• When was Derek Bentley executed?

  January 1953
• How did the newspapers influence the Bentley case?

  They shaped public opinion against the death penalty
• What role did public protests play in Bentley's execution?

  They demonstrated widespread opposition to the execution
• What was Bentley's mental age according to doctors?

  10 years old
• What was the outcome of Bentley's appeal in 1998?

  He was pardoned for unfair punishment
• Who was Bentley's accomplice during the burglary?

  Christopher Craig
• What weapon did Bentley carry during the burglary?

  A knife
• What was the significance of the phrase 'Let him have it, Chris' in the trial?

  It had two interpretations regarding intent
• What law were Bentley and Craig charged under?

  Joint Enterprise
• What was the public reaction to Bentley's execution?

  There was significant public outcry
• What did the 1957 Homicide Act introduce?

  Rules for diminished responsibility
• How did Bentley's case influence the abolition of the death penalty?

  It raised awareness and public debate
• How many MPs signed the petition against Bentley's execution?

  200 MPs
• What was the outcome for Christopher Craig after the incident?

  He was imprisoned until 1963
• What was the public perception of Bentley and other cases like his?

  They were seen as undeserving victims
• What did the judge's actions during the trial suggest?

  He aimed to make an example of Bentley
• What was the result of the riots in 1952 related to Bentley's case?

  Four police officers were shot
• Why was Bentley's mental condition significant in his trial?

  It raised questions about his culpability
• How did the media portray the Bentley case?

  As an injustice leading to public outrage
• What were the key events leading to Derek Bentley's execution?

  • Bentley charged with killing a police officer
  • Executed by hanging in January 1953
  • Public protests and media criticism
  • Pardoned in 1998 for unfair punishment
• What were the reasons for the controversy surrounding Bentley's case?

  • Bentley had a mental age of 10
  • Charged under Joint Enterprise law
  • Public outcry and petitions against execution
  • Media portrayal as an injustice
• How did the Derek Bentley case influence laws regarding the death penalty?

  • Increased public awareness and debate
  • Led to the abolition of the death penalty in 1965
  • Resulted in the 1957 Homicide Act for diminished responsibility