Lecture Notes: Tyburn Tree and Capital Punishment

Introduction to Tyburn Tree

• Location: Central London
• Historical Context: Site of public hangings from the 1100s to the late 19th century
• Hanging as a form of capital punishment considered shameful, reserved for the lower class
• Social norms around executions:
  • Gentlemen preferred decapitation
  • Ladies often burned at the stake for mercy's sake
• Last hanging in Britain occurred on August 13, 1964

Capital Punishment as a Philosophical Topic

• Topic requested frequently for discussion
• Connection to current debates on police and prison abolition
• Exploration of historical discussions and current viewpoints
• Notable figures: philosophers like William Paley and Jeremy Bentham

Historical Overview of the British Justice System

• Capital crimes gradually decreased over time
• Late 18th century: sudden spike in capital crimes
  • Example: Stealing fruit from the Prime Minister's garden
  • 1801: 13-year-old Andrew Brunning hanged for stealing a spoon

Public Sentiment

• Criticism of harsh punishments for minor crimes
• Abolitionists emerged, including notable figures like Charles Dickens
• Public executions often drew large crowds but lack of appropriate emotional response

Philosophical Perspectives

• William Paley: Flexible justice system, deterrence through harsh penalties
• Jeremy Bentham: Critique of arbitrary justice; highlighted the corruption potential
• Sentiments about capital punishment reflecting societal values and moral questions

Evolution of Capital Punishment Debate

• Public executions seen as ineffective deterrents
• Philosophical questions about deserving punishment
• Notable cases influencing public opinion:
  • Michael Perry: Documentary "Into the Abyss" highlights complexities of capital punishment feelings
  • Chris Craig and Derek Bentley: Case raised questions about culpability in murder charges
  • Timothy Evans: Wrongfully executed for a crime he did not commit, highlighting flaws in the justice system

Abolition Movement and Changes in Law

• 1950s: Growing public unrest over capital punishment
• Homicide Act of 1957: Limited capital crimes but did not abolish them
• Final abolition occurred in 1969 due to public pressure and ongoing debates

Contemporary Issues and Philosophical Overlap

• Discussion of modern prison systems and the concept of prison abolition
• Philosophical connections between capital punishment and prison systems
• Modern views of punishment, rehabilitation, and societal implications
• The role of socioeconomic status in criminalization

Conclusion

• The importance of understanding history in current debates on justice and punishment
• Complex interplay of emotional, philosophical, and practical considerations in discussions of capital punishment and prisons
• Critical reflection on personal beliefs and societal norms regarding justice