KT3 1700-1900

• Who had a significant influence on punishment and law enforcement in the 1820s?

  Robert Peel
• What did Robert Peel do regarding the Bloody Code?

  He reduced the number of death penalty offences
• What significant act did Peel persuade parliament to pass in 1829?

  The Metropolitan Police Act
• What was the consequence of the law after 1810 regarding capital crimes?

  There were an unprecedented number of capital crimes
• How did judges typically respond to the death penalty for petty crimes?

  They preferred transportation or prison instead
• What was Peel's motivation for reducing capital crimes by 100 in 1825?

  To lessen harsh punishments for petty crimes
• What did the 1823 Gaols Act aim to improve in prisons?

  Conditions and treatment of prisoners
• What were some provisions of the 1823 Gaols Act?

  Chaplains visit, gaolers paid, no chains
• What limitation affected the impact of the 1823 Gaols Act?

  There were no inspectors to enforce it
• What was the purpose of the parliamentary committee set up by Peel in 1822?

  To investigate policing issues in London
• What was the central aim of the Metropolitan Police established in 1829?


  To prevent crime and disorder
• How were Metropolitan Police officers selected and trained?

  Carefully selected and well trained
• What was a notable feature of Metropolitan Police uniforms?

  They were identifiable and not military-like, dark blue to be distinguised from the military
• How did Metropolitan Police officers handle physical force?

  Used minimum force only as a last resort
• What was the public perception of the Metropolitan Police over time?

  Initially unpopular, later seen as trustworthy
• When was Pentonville Prison built?

  1842
• What was the separate system in Pentonville Prison?

  A model for how prisons should be run
• What were the dimensions of each cell in Pentonville Prison?

  4m x 2m
• What was the purpose of the separate system for prisoners?

  To provide solitude for reflection and reform
• What were the three reasons for the separate system?

  Rehabilitation, retribution, deterrent
• What were the strengths of the separate system compared to previous prisons?

  Cleaner and less disease than before
• What were the weaknesses of the separate system?

  Led to mental illness and no education
• How did views on punishment change during this period?

  Imprisonment increased, executions decreased
• When did transportation to America begin?

  c1610
• When did the last hanging for shoplifting occur?

  1822
• When was the Bloody Code ended?

  1825
• When did transportation to Australia begin?

  1787
• Why did transportation to Australia increase?

  Due to rising crime rates
• What was a consequence of transportation to Australia for criminals?

  They worked for settlers for seven or fourteen years. After this, they were free but most couldn't return to England as they had no money for a return journey.
• Why did transportation end by 1868?

  Australia no longer needed forced laborers
• What were some reasons against transportation?

  Too expensive and too harsh for families
• What did John Howard advocate for in prisons?

  Improved health and sanitation conditions
• What did Elizabeth Fry do for female prisoners?

  Set up education classes and improved conditions
• How did industrialization and urbanization affect crime rates?

  They increased the crime rate significantly
• What roles did watchmen and parish constables play in law enforcement?

  Patrolled cities and dealt with petty crime
• When were the Bow Street Runners established?

  1749
• Who established the Bow Street Runners?

  Henry Fielding
• What was the initial funding model for the Bow Street Runners?

  Charged fees and collected rewards
• What was a significant change for the Bow Street Runners in 1785?

  They were paid by the government
• What new methods did the Bow Street Runners introduce?

  Finding evidence to bring criminals to justice