1900-present

• Arguments for death penalty

  ultimate deterrent

  ensure no longer a problem in society

  more expensive to keep them in prison

  only way to get retribution

  arguments against

  Not seen as deterrent by some, didn’t stop unplanned killings

  seen as uncivilised

  murder hadn’t increased in countries with the death penalty

  legal system could make a mistake and kill an innocent person
• 1948- Mps in the House of Commons voted to suspend the death penalty.

  1949- The Royal Commission was set up to look into whether laws about capital punishment should be changed, it recommended banning it for those under 21 and mentally ill, but not abolition unless wanted by the public.
• cases for the abolition of the death penalty

  1950- Timothy Evans was hanged for killing his wife and child. he said John Cristie did it during his trial. 3 years later evidence came out that suggested that christie was the killer.

  1955- Ruth Ellis was hanged for killing her abusive boyfriend, the public sympathised with her as she was abused by her victim.

  1953- 19- yead old Derek Bentely was execute for murdering a policeman, even though he hadn't actually fired the gun.
• the abolition of death penalty laws

  1957 homicide act- different categories for different categories of murder. Only the worst types of murder were punishable by death

  1965 Murder (abolition of death penalty) Act: suspended the death penalty in Britain. In 1969, the death penalty was permanently abolished.