Case Study

• What were the controversial executions?

  1950 Timothy Evans

  1953 Derek Bently

  1955 Ruth Ellis
• What did the controversial executions do to society?

  Changed mindset establishing that the death penalty was too severe a crime.
• What was Timothy Evans convicted of?

  Murdering wife and baby

  However later evidence showed he was innocent

  Making public question attitudes and usefulness of the death penalty
• When was Ruth Ellis Case and what did she do?

  1955

  Killed abusive Boyfriend Hanged as a consequence
• What was the Military Service Act


  Established 1916

  Illegal to avoid taking part in the war

  All men from 18 to 51 were called to fight towards the end of the war.
• What were people who refused to fight called?

  Conscientious Objectors

  Examples

  Absolutists= Pacifists

  Alternativists = People who refused to fight but supported other ways (Medics Stretcher carriers)
• How were COs tried?

  Tried by a tribunal (Usually old people who felt that young people should fight)
• Punishments for COs in WW1?

  Imprisoned

  Sent to the front line

  Few sentenced to death

  Branded with white feathers symbol of cowardice
• How was the treatment of Cos changed in WW2?

  Offered Alternative occupations (Medics Farm work)
• Changes in Attitudes to COs in WW2?

  Harsher punishments as COs seen as hypocritical for not uniting against Hitler

  Attacked by public or Lost jobs
• Story of Derek Bentley Case which helped abolish capital punishment?


  1952 Derek Bentley(18) and Christopher Craig (16) attempted to rob a warehouse

  Police catch them

  Derek said "Let him have it" Ambiguous

  Accomplish fired his gun instead of giving it to the police officer

  Eventually Derek Bently was Hanged

  As Christopher Craig was 16 he couldn't be charged to death even though he was the one who killed the police officer
• Defense For Derek Bently being put to death?

  Mental Age of 10

  Questions over "Let him have it"

  Bentley didn't have a weapon and handed himself over
• Reasons why Derek Bently should of been put to death?


  "Let him have it" Made him responsible for murder as he encouraged Craig

  History of criminality

  Low level of intelligence but he was aware of his actions
• Impact of Derek Bentlys Case on the Public?

  5000 Protestors met outside on the day of execution chanting "Murder!"

  Bently's Family used media to promote case

  Widly known through songs and books
• When was Derek Bently Pardoned?

  1993
• Consequences of Derek Bentlys Execution?

  Homicide Act and Murder Act

  200 members of Parliament called for Derek Bently not to be executed
• When was Derek Bently Case?

  1553