Patterns of Change

• Evolution; Crime and Punishment:

  Romans -> Medieval -> 19th Century -> Modern Day
• Romans:

  • The Emperor and the Senate made the laws
  • The written law code, the Twelve Tables, was enforced by soldiers and vigiles
  • Common crimes were robbery, slaves escaping and being Christian
  • Punishments were whipping, fines, execution or decimation
• Medieval:

  • The King and local lords made the laws
  • The town charter was a document bought by the town to run the town themselves
  • The local community, parish constable and watchmen enforced the law
  • Common crimes were treason and poaching
  • Punishments were fines, flogging, stocks and the pillary

  Stocks - the wooden board with holes for your head and arms
• 19th Century (Industrialised Society):

  • The country's government made the laws
  • Peelers enforced the law
  • Common crimes were white-collar crimes, bank robbery and petty theft
  • Punishments were deportation to Australia, separation in prison and falling from a high height when being hanged
• Modern Day:

  • The government, with the influence of public opinion and economic status, make the laws
  • The police, neighbourhood watch and specialised units (ex. drugs unit) enforce the law
  • Common crimes are cybercrime and terrorism
  • Punishments are probation, prison, community service, electronic tagging and youth detention centres. Death penalty was abolished from being a punishment.