Crimes, punishment and law enforcement
It has always been the case that some people have chosen to behave in a way society deems to be wrong. In some cases, this has led to them breaking the law and committing a crime. Punishment and law enforcement in Britain have developed and changed since c.1000 to prevent crime. They aim to encourage individuals in society to make morally correct choices about their behaviour.
Types of crime
There are three main categories of crime relevant to the study of crime and punishment since c.1000:
- Crimes against the person - These are crimes that inflict harm on a person, including murder, rape, harassment, domestic violence and assault.
- Crimes against property - These are crimes of theft where there is no threat of force or violence towards an individual. They include burglary, car theft and arsonDeliberately setting fire to something, which is a crime.
- Crimes against authority - These are crimes that threaten or oppose the government or leaders, including treasonTo betray or plot against the government or monarchy.conspiracyPlotting in secret to do something unlawful. and espionageThe act of spying or using spies to gather information.
Punishment
As society and the definition of crime changed over time, punishments were introduced. These were intended to ensure that people who made wrong choices and behaved in a way society deems to be wrong reconsidered their actions and followed the law in the future. There are three main categories relevant to the study of crime and punishment since c.1000:
| Retribution | This was when the punishment given to someone was intended to get revenge for their crime. Examples include blood feud, mutilation and the death penalty. |
| Deterrence | This was when the punishment given to someone was intended to discourage them (and others) from committing further crime. Examples include public whipping, stocks and pillory,transportation and the death penalty. |
| Rehabilitation or reform | This was when the punishment given to someone was intended to help improve their character and give them the opportunity to contribute positively to society. Examples include prison and community service. |
| Retribution |
| This was when the punishment given to someone was intended to get revenge for their crime. Examples include blood feud, mutilation and the death penalty. |
| Deterrence |
| This was when the punishment given to someone was intended to discourage them (and others) from committing further crime. Examples include public whipping, stocks and pillory,transportation and the death penalty. |
| Rehabilitation or reform |
| This was when the punishment given to someone was intended to help improve their character and give them the opportunity to contribute positively to society. Examples include prison and community service. |
Law enforcement
- Methods of law enforcement have also developed to protect most people in society from crime and discourage individuals who commit crime.
- Initially, law enforcement was organised by the local community through tithingA group of ten male adults. If one member of the ten broke the law, it was the responsibility of the others to catch the culprit and take him to court. and the hue and cryA method of raising the alarm to the rest of the village after a crime had been committed, usually by shouting loudly.
- Over time, the king and government took more responsibility for law enforcement. It became more organised, resulting in the centralised and specialised police force that we have today.
More guides on this topic
- Crime and punishment in medieval England, c.1000-c.1500 - Edexcel
- Crime and punishment in early modern England, c.1500-c.1700 - Edexcel
- Crime and punishment in 18th- and 19th-century Britain - Edexcel
- Crime and punishment in modern Britain, c.1900 - Edexcel
- Crime and punishment in Whitechapel, c.1870-c.1900 - Edexcel