CASE STUDIES

• When was Pentonville Prison built?

  1842
• Pentonville was a model prison and operated using the separate system:

  • Single cells
  • Masks in communal areas
• The separate system aimed to rehabilitate criminals. They could reflect on their crimes, turn to religion and reform their ways in solitude.
• The separate system aimed to rehabilitate criminals, as there would be no influence from other criminals.
• The separate system was used as a form of retribution - isolation and boredom would make criminals pay for their crimes.
• The separate system was used as a deterrent, as it was a serious punishment.
• The separate system was replaced by the silent system to combat loneliness.
• Strengths of Separate System:

  • Cleaner + less disease
  • Many thought it was the right level of punishment
• Weaknesses of Separate System:

  • Isolation led to mental illness and suicide for many inmates
  • No education/instruction to provide inmates with new skills
• When did Robert Peel become Home Secretary?

  1822
• As Home Secretary, Robert Peel was responsible for changing criminal law and and reforming prisons
• Robert Peel set up the Metropolitan Police Force.
• Peel's Penal Reforms (1820s)

  • Peel advocated a system aimed at preventing crimes and reforming criminals, rather than using Punishments as a deterrent.
  • He reformed the penal code, removing 100 capital crimes - punishment was a lot fairer as a result
• Gaols Act, 1823

  • Prisoners should receive regular prison chaplain visits
  • Gaolers should be paid
  • Female wardens for female prisoners
  • No chains or irons