hello lovees in this video we go over everything you need for your Ed XL GCS history the crime and punishment unit now to go with this over on the website you can get notes for each individual lesson questions and flashcards for each individual lesson so you can pause the video write down stuff on the notes you can add the notes you can download them and then you can test yourself with the questions over there these are all completely free for you all you need to do is to go up to the top right hand corner of the website create yourself a little free account under to sign in find the GCS history n EXL course and then you can have access to all the notes that go along with this video questions and flashcards that go along with this video completely free for you if you want weekly tutorials if you want early access to our predicted papers and walkthroughs of our predicted papers of history and last year we were really really good at this um then you can sign up to the full master class and get access to all of those but the majority content on there is free to help your R along with this video [Music] GCSE history topic one crime and punishment in medieval England anglosaxon England in this video we are looking at the nature and definitions of criminal activity law enforcement including the role of the king the church and local communities and types of punishment and the emphasis on retribution and deterrence in Anglo-Saxon England the legal system was quite different from what we understand today Society was heavily influenced by local customs and the King's law with an emphasis on maintaining social order and paying compensation to victims rather than punishment of the offender by the state crimes were generally categorized based on the type of harm they caused against the person property or authority crimes against the person these involve Direct harm or threat to the physical safety of individuals examples include murder unlawfully killing another person this was a serious crime in Anglo-Saxon England and often required the perpetrator to pay were Guild a man price which was compensation to the victim's family based on the victim's social status assault attacking another person whether or not it results in injury like murder compensation might have been demanded in Anglo-Saxon England and kidnapping which is the abduction or unlawful detention of an individual crimes against property these crimes involve the theft or destruction of someone's property examples include theft taking someone else's belongings without permission the punishment in Anglo-Saxon England often depended on the value of the stolen items burglary breaking into a house to commit theft Anglo-Saxon laws were particularly harsh on burglary and arson intentionally setting fire to buildings or crops this was a serious crime in Anglo-Saxon England given the predominantly wooden construction of buildings and the essential nature of crops for survival crimes against Authority these offens were actions that defied the established order challenged the king's peace or broke the laws passed by local or Royal courts examples include treason these are acts against the king or Kingdom including plotting against the king or aiding enemies Rebellion taking up arms against local leaders or the king and Disobedience to Royal officers refusing to comply with the lawful demands of appointed officials in Anglo-Saxon England the roles of the king and nobility were crucial in the governance and administration of justice together the king and the nobility formed a system where the responsibilities for creating advising on and enforcing laws was shared the king provided the overarching legal framework and peacekeeping while the nobility implemented and adapted these laws to local circumstances this structure helped maintain a relatively stable and orderly Society in Anglo-Saxon England the role of the king the Anglo-Saxon King had several key responsibilities issuing new laws the King was primarily responsible for creating new laws he would issue codes of law that reflected the needs and values of society these laws aim to maintain order and address various social issues keeping the king's peace this was a central Duty the concept of the king's peace meant that the King was responsible for maintaining Law and Order across the kingdom breaches of this peace were considered offenses not just against the victim but against the stability of the Kingdom itself figure of Justice the King was seen as a figure of ultimate Justice in some cases he would personally Pride over Maj disputes or legal cases especially those involving members of the nobility or other significant figures the role of the nobility the nobility including Earls and THS also had important roles in the legal system advising the king when it came to making new laws the nobility had the role of advisers they would offer advice based on their experiences and the needs of the people in their regions this helped ensure that the laws were practical and effective enforcing laws locally nobles were responsible for maintaining Law and Order in their own territories they would oversee the local courts and ensure that the king's laws were upheld the Anglo-Saxon church had a significant influence on crime and punishment the church played a key role in defining moral Behavior through Christian teachings it influenced the laws that governed the people integrating Christian morals and ethics into legal codes this included ideas about Justice fairness and the need for Community Harmony the church also offered Sanctuary to those who fled from the immediate threat of arrest or harm providing a temporary Safe Haven and an opportunity for negotiation or Penance trials by ordeal one aspect of the church's influence on crime and punishment was the use of Trials by ordeal these were based on the belief that divine intervention would reveal the truth of someone's guilt or innocence through a physical trial types of ordeal included ordeal by water suspected individuals were thrown into water blessed by a priest it was believed that the pure holy water would accept the innocent by allowing them to sink and reject the Guilty by causing them to float ordeal by fire this could involve carrying a red hot iron a certain distance or walking through fire if the wounds healed cleanly within a set period the accused was considered innocent ordeal by consecrated bread clergy members might be subjected to this ordeal where they would eat bread blessed by a priest if they choked or had difficulty swallowing they were considered guilty in Anglo-Saxon England law reinforcement was deeply embedded in the structure of local communities the primary mechanisms through which these communities managed policing were through the systems known as tithings and the huan cry these systems highlight the communal and Cooperative nature of maintaining Law and Order during this period they were also necessary due to the relatively small and Scattered population and limited reach of central government tithings a tithing was a group of 10 households and every adult male was required to be a member of One this group was responsible for ensuring that all members abided by the law the key responsibility of a tithing was Collective responsibility if one member of the tithing committed a crime it was the duty of the other members to ensure that the offender was brought to Justice if they failed to do this the entire tithing could be held responsible potentially facing f or other penalties huan Cry The huan Cry was a practice whereby victims of crime or Witnesses were expected to shout loudly and call for help from fellow Villages the cry was a signal for others to join in pursuit of the criminal when the human cry was raised it was legally required for able-bodied men in the community to join the chase failure to respond could result in penalties emphasizing the collect responsibility for Community safety in Anglo-Saxon England the legal system employed various methods to determine guilt or innocence including trial by jury and a process known as compation if these methods failed to produce a clear outcome then a trial by ordeal was used as a last result trial by local jury trial by jury in Anglo-Saxon England was somewhat different from what we know today it typically involved a group of local people often 12 who were familiar with the parties involved in a dispute these individuals were not exactly jurors in the modern sense but rather Witnesses Who provided sworn testimony about the facts of the case as they understood them the jury's role was to discuss the case and reach a verdict based on what they knew about the individuals and the circumstances of the case their local knowledge was crucial in determining the truth in a time when documentation was scarce and formal evidence procedures were not yet established compation compation also known as The Wager of law was a common method for deciding cases that relied on the character and reputation of the accused in this process the accused would swear an oath declaring their innocence and would have to bring a certain number of oath helpers or comparators who would swear that they believed the accused was telling the truth the number of comparators required could vary depending on the nature of the accusation and the status of the accused this method was based on the idea that a person of good standing who could convince others of their honesty was likely to be innocent it reflected the importance of reputation and Community Trust in Anglo-Saxon legal proceedings if the jury could not reach a ision or if compation did not resolve the matter often because the case was particularly contentious or the crime too serious then the trial would proceed to an ordeal in Anglo-Saxon England the approach to punishment was based on a blend of Retribution compensation and to some extent deterrence the legal system primarily focused on rectifying the wrongs through compensation rather than punishment and fines played a crucial role in this proc process however Corporal and capital punishments were also used for more severe crimes types of punishment fines fines were the most common form of punishment for various offenses these fines vary depending on the severity of the crime and the status of the individuals involved weregild a distinctive feature of the Anglo-Saxon legal system was the were Guild or man price this is a value placed on every person according to their social status from a commoner up to the king if someone was killed the offender had to pay the were Guild to the family of the deceased as compensation this system aimed to prevent blood feuds by providing a peaceful resolution to murder corporal punishment this refers to physical punishment inflicted on the body it included whipping mutilation like cutting off a hand theft or branding these punishments were used for more serious crimes or repeat offenders capital punishment in cases of the most severe crimes such as murder or treason capital punishment typically hanging or beheading was employed this was the ultimate form of Retribution and was intended to serve as a strong deterrent against serious offenses retribution and deterrence retribution the idea behind retribution is to impose a penalty that is deserved in response to a crime in Anglo-Saxon law this was reflected in the use of Corporal and capital punishments the severity of the punishment was meant to match the gravity of the offense ensuring that Justice was seen to be done deterrence punishments were also intended to deter both the individual and The Wider Community from committing Crimes by imposing harsh penalties the law aimed to discourage others from engaging in similar Behavior due to fear of similar consequences despite the availability of harsher punishments the preference in Anglo-Saxon law was for compensation like the were Guild this was believed to be an approach suited to maintaining social harmony and preventing ongoing cycles of Vengeance in summary Anglo and crimes were categorized into crimes against the person property and Authority the king issued laws and maintained peace while the nobility advised the king and enforced laws locally the Anglo-Saxon Church influenced laws with Christian morals and conducted trials by ordeal to determine guilt local communities enforced laws through tithings and the hean cry trials involved local juries and compation in serious cases trial by ordeal was used punishments included fines corporal punishment and capital punishment emphasizing deterrence and retribution Norman England in this video we are looking at the impact of the Norman Conquest on definitions of crime new laws introduced after 1066 and continuity and change in law re enforcement and punishments the Norman conquest of England in 1066 brought significant changes to the legal and social structures of the country altering how crimes were defined this was largely driven by the need of the Normans to establish control over a resistant Anglo-Saxon population centralization of Authority Under Anglo-Saxon rule local communities had significant autonomy with local Lords and assembl playing key roles in maintaining order and resolving disputes the Normans shifted this approach toward a more centralized system where the king had ultimate Authority William the Conqueror introduced the concept of the king's Mund any crime is seen not just as an offense against an individual but as a direct challenge to the king's Authority this redefinition meant that acts such as Rebellion VI violence or theft were now also viewed as personal affronts to the king the feudal system the Normans implemented the feudal system in England which established a strict hierarchical structure of land ownership and loyalty crimes such as Rebellion or Disobedience became more sharply defined as they could threaten the stability of this new order the system was designed to ensure loyalty to Norman rulers defining more actions as crimes that could destabilize this structure like disobeying a feudal Lord or the king the Doomsday Book the compilation of the Doomsday Book in 1086 was a massive survey that listed all the lands and resources in England essentially establishing who owned what and importantly who owed Allegiance and taxes to the king This Record was used to enforce Norman laws more effectively and redefine property crimes with precise descriptions and penalties new laws help the Normans strengthen their Rule and limit the rights of the Anglo Saxons clearly showing the shift in power and control to the new Norman rulers this was an essential part of how they maintained order and establish their dominance over England new laws included murder this law was introduced to protect the Normans from attacks by the local Anglo-Saxon population under this law if a Norman was found murdered and the murderer wasn't quickly found the local community had to pay a heavy fine this was because the law assumed that any unidentified murder victim was a Norman showing how the Normans prioritized their own safety curfew law William the Conqueror also introduced a curfew law this law required everyone to put out fires and candles at a certain time each night indicated by a bell officially this was to prevent fires but it also stopped people from meeting secretly at night and potentially plotting against the Normans William the's Forest laws William the Conqueror created strict Forest laws that made large areas of Woodlands exclusive for Royal hunting these laws prevented locals from hunting Gathering wood or foraging in these forests activities were essential for their livelihood breaking these laws like hunting without permission became a crime called poaching and was severely punished creation of social crimes with the introduction of the forest laws everyday activities like hunting and wood Gathering suddenly became illegal poaching or hunting in the king's Forest without permission could lead to harsh penalties including death this shows how the Normans used laws to control control and limit the freedoms of the local people in Norman England the influence of the king over the law increased significantly compared to the Anglo-Saxon period this change was part of William's strategy to consolidate power and establish a centralized government which was crucial in maintaining control over a newly conquered and occasionally rebellious territory the influence of the king following his victory at the Battle of Hastings William faced several Anglo-Saxon uprisings these rebellions were fueled by resentment against Norman Rule and the harsh changes imposed by the new monarchy notable rebellions included those led by figures such as harrywood the wake and the revolts in the north of England which were brutally suppressed by William in what is now known as the harrying of the north this campaign aimed to subdue the population through widespread Devastation reducing resistance by destroying Food Supplies and shelter resulting in significant loss of life and famine the influence of the king over the law was increased by centralization William centralized the legal system to strengthen Royal Authority Under the Anglo-Saxons local Lords had considerable power including judicial authority over their own lands William shifted this power to the crown ensuring that the king had the final say legal matters which helped standardize laws across the kingdom appointment of Royal judges William appointed Royal judges who traveled around the country to hear cases this practice known as the king's circuit was instrumental in establishing the king's law throughout England and reducing the local Lord's judicial powers introduction of the feudal system by imposing the feudal system William required all Nobles to swear Allegiance directly to him rather than to Regional Lords this ensured loyalty and obedience centralizing Authority and legal power directly under the king building of castles to secure his control and defend against rebellions William initiated the widespread building of castles across England these were not only military fortresses but also acted as courts and administrative hubs where the king's laws were enforced in Norman England there were significant changes as well as notable continuities in the system of law enforcement in the anglosaxon period this enabled the Normans to consolidate power while also maintaining certain Anglo-Saxon practices to ensure social stability and local cooperation continuity tithings the system of tithings continued under Norman rule every male adult was still required to be part of a tithing which was responsible for ensuring the behavior and accountability of its members if a member committed a crime it was the duty of the rest of the tithing to bring the individual to Justice hu and cry the hu and cry where victims of crime or Witnesses would shout loudly and call for assistance from fellow villagers was still encouraged under Norman rule change Royal appointments William introduced uced Royal officials known as sheriffs to oversee law enforcement in each Shire this move reduced the power of local Lords and increased Direct Control by the crown circuit judges the introduction of the circuit system where Royal judges traveled the country to enforce Royal laws marked a significant shift from local to centralized Authority in Norman England the legal system experienced both continuity and significant changes in terms of punishments continuity use of fines both the Anglo-Saxons and the Normans used fines as a common form of punishment however under the Normans the nature and distribution of these fines changed Corporal and capital punishments the Anglo-Saxons already used physical punishments and executions for serious crimes the Normans continued these practices but with increased frequency and for a broader range of offenses change end of the Saxon weregild the Normans abolished the weregild system fines and other monetary penalties were now payable to the king's officials instead of to the victim's family this shift not only increased the Crown's wealth but also demonstrated the authority of the king over private legal disputes death and mutilation under Norman rule the number of crimes punishable by death or mutilation increased for example poaching previously a lesser offense could now result in severe punishments this harsh approach reflected the Norman's intent to deter crime through fear and to assert their control over the population including strict management of hunting rights which were reserved for the nobility trial by combat in disputes particularly those involving question of property or honor the involved parties could be ordered to fight in combat until one was Victorious or surrendered this method was believed to determine the truth by Divine judgment assuming that God would Grant Victory to the just party in summary the Norman shifted the legal system from local autonomy to centralized Authority Under The King where crimes were seen as offenses against the king's peace the introdu C of the feudal system created a strict hierarchy defining crimes such as rebellion and Disobedience more sharply to maintain order and loyalty compiled in 1086 the Doomsday Book survey detailed land ownership and resources helping to enforce Norman laws and redefine property crimes the Normans introduced laws like murder and Forest laws creating social crimes like poaching the King's influence Over Law increased through centralization Royal appointments and the introduction of circuit judges and sheriffs while fines Corporal and capital punishments continued changes included the end of the Saxon were Guild more severe punishments and the introduction of trial by combat later medieval England in this video we are looking at the increased role of government in crime and punishment in later medieval England and continuity and change in law enforcement and punishments in later medieval England the role of government in crime and punishment became increasingly significant reflecting a shift towards more centralized control and organized legal processes the reforms of Henry II when Henry II came to the throne in 1154 he inherited a legal system that was somewhat fragmented and heavily influenced by local Lords in response he introduced several reforms aimed at creating a more unified and efficient system courts Henry II reorganized the courts to create a clearer hierarchy and structure he established Royal courts that were Superior to local courts and directly managed by the crown early prisons prior to Henry II imprisonment was rare and usually temporary Henry II's reforms included the establishment of Prisons as part of the penal system primarily for holding accused persons before their trial aises Henry II ordered that Royal judges should visit each County twice a year to hear serious criminal cases this system known as the assises was crucial in ensuring that the crown had a direct role in the administration of justice across the country the traveling judges helped ensure that the king's laws were applied consistently and they reduced local favoritism and Corruption role of parliament by the 14th century Parliament had established a clear role in lawmaking it became a vital Institution for passing laws that covered a wide range of issues an example of parliament's role is the statute of laborers background the black death which swept through Europe from 1348 to 1350 drastically reduced the population leading to a severe labor shortage in England this shortage allowed laborers to demand higher wages which landowners and the government saw as disruptive to the economy the statute in response parliament passed the statute of laborers in 1351 this law fixed wages at pre-plague levels and barred workers from demanding more money or better conditions additionally it restricted the movement of laborers making it illegal for workers to leave their current employment in search of better opportunities significance the statute of laborers is an example of parliament's lawmaking role showing that by the later medieval period laws were no longer being made on the authority of the King Alone in later medieval England law enforcement experienced both continuity from earlier practices and significant changes these changes were part of wider efforts to centralize control and create a more uniform legal system across the kingdom while continuities reflected the lasting value of community involvement in maintaining Law and Order continuity despite the centralization the local community remained a vital part of law enforcement people were still expected to participate actively in capturing offenders H and cry this continued to be a legal requirement if someone raised the human and cry able-bodied men in the community needed to join the Chase and capture the Criminal Division into Wards for better management and control towns were divided into areas called Wards each managed by an official often a constable Parish constables emerging from the Saxon role of the tithing man Parish constables were local men appointed to oversee Law and Order within their Parish they played a critical role in maintaining local peace organizing the watch and pursuing offenders change key roles established during this period included the coroner in 1194 and the justices of the peace in 1361 these men were appointed by the central authority of the king which helped ensure that Royal policies were being followed at the local level coroner introduced by King Richard the the role of the coroner was initially to keep records of crimes and ensure that fines due to the crown were collected coroners were also responsible for overseeing investigations into suspicious deaths justices of the peace established by the statute of Winchester justices of the peace or JPS were local Gentry appointed by the king to maintain peace in their regions their duties included overseeing local administrative functions dealing with minor offenses and later holding initial hearings for more serious crimes in later medieval England there were both continuities and changes in the methods of punishment while traditional punishments continued to be widely used new and more brutal forms of punishment were introduced reflecting shifts in attitudes towards certain crimes and the growing emphasis on maintaining Royal Authority continuity fines fines continue to be a common punishment for various offenses serving as both a deterrent and a means for the crown to raise revenue fines often depended on the severity of the crime and the social status of the offender corporal punishment physical punishments continued as a method to punish and deter offenders these included whipping branding or mutilation depending on the crime execution execution remained the most severe form of punishment reserved for the most serious crimes such as murder or treason methods like hanging were commonly used to execute convicted criminals change the new punishment of being hanged drawn and quartered was introduced specifically for the crime of high treason this gruesome method was first used during the reign of king Edward the The Condemned would be dragged to the place of execution hanged by the neck until near death his abdomen cut open and intestines drawn out and then beheaded and divided into four parts their remains would often be displayed in prominent places as a warning against treason this punishment was designed to be particularly brutal and humiliating it Illustrated the seriousness of treason and the increasing emphasis on the importance of Authority in summary in later medieval England the government's role in crime and punishment increased significantly aiming for more centralized control and organized legal processes Henry II's reforms established Royal courts early prisons and the assises ensuring consistent application of the king's laws across the country by the 14th century Parliament played a crucial role in law making exemplified by the stat statute of laborers which controlled wages and work and movement post the Black Death law enforcement saw both continuity and change with local community involvement remaining vital while roles like the coroner and justices of the peace were introduced to enforce Royal policies punishments maintained continuity with fines corporal punishment and execution but new severe methods like hanging drawing and quartering for high treason were introduced to emphasize Royal Authority the influence of the church in the early 13th century in this video we are looking at the power of the church in medieval England the system of sanctuary and the benefit of clergy and the ending of trial by ordeal in medieval England the church was not just a religious institution but also a powerful political and social Force its influence was felt in all aspects of daily life making it one of the most dominant institutions of the period religion played a central role in the lives of people in medieval England the church was involved in every major event from birth to death providing spiritual guidance education and Community Support the church dictated moral standards and ethical Behavior through its teachings and sermons influencing people's Lifestyles and choices the church owned approximately 1 of all the wealth in the country this included vast areas of land which it managed and profited from the church also collected tithes which were a form of tax amounting to one tenth of a person's earnings or agricultural produce this tithe was mandatory reflecting the church's authority over the people and providing it with a steady source of income to fund its activities maintain its buildings and support the clergy the church influenced the making of laws calling for moral principles to be included in the laws of the land such as the observance of holy days bans on certain types of entertainment and regulations on marriage the church could impose spiritual penalties such as excommunication which excluded individuals from participating in Christian ceremonies this was a powerful tool that also could affect a person's position in society and legal rights the system of sanctuary one of the church's Powers was the right to offer Sanctuary Sanctuary was a practice where churches allowed people who had committed crimes to seek protection inside their walls this meant that if someone had broken the law they could enter a church and claim Sanctuary which would keep them safe from being arrested or harmed by others for a short time if someone needed Sanctuary they would go into a church and sometimes hold on to a special door knocker to show they were asking for protection this protection wasn't permanent it lasted up to 40 days during this time the person had to decide whether to face trial or admit guilt and leave the country permanently the church would take care of the person during their stay providing them with food and shelter the rule said that nobody could force them out of the church during this period Sanctuary was a key part of medieval law and Society showing how the church could influence legal matters and offer a place of safety it provided a critical way for people to pause and consider their actions in a time when punishments could be very severe as laws changed and governments became more organized the use of sanctuary decreased and eventually stopped this happened particularly when England's laws and the power of the church changed during the reign of Henry VII in the 1530s benefit of clergy benefit of clergy was a legal privilege in medieval England that allowed members of the clergy to be tried in church courts rather than in secular or Royal courts over time this privilege was extended to anyone who could read as literacy was rare and typically limited to clerics originally benefit of clergy was intended to protect clergy members from the harsher punishments of secular courts if a clergy member was accused of a crime he could claim this benefit and be tried in a church court which often had more lenar punishments these could include prayers pilgrimages or fasting rather than imprisonment or execution to prove their clergy status accused persons might be asked to read a passage from the Bible typically Psalm 51 known as the neck verse because knowing it could save one's neck from execution over time the the ability to read any passage from the Bible sufficed benefit of clergy introduced a significant inequality into the legal system as it provided educated individuals particularly those associated with the church with a potential escape from harsher punishments this reflected the high status of the church and literacy in society ending of trial by ordeal the key reason for the ending of trial by ordeal was the intervention by the church specifically by Pope Innocent III in 1215 Pope Innocent III issued a decree that forbade clergy from participating in Trials by ordeal this decree was significant because the presence and blessing of clergy were essential for conducting an ordeal lending it Divine legitimacy around the same time that trials by ordeal were being questioned the trial by jury system was becoming more established in England trial by jury offered a more rational and human- centered approach to Justice instead of relying on Divine signs a group of local people known as jurors would hear the case and decide on the guilt or innocence based on evidence and testimony the movement towards trial by jury was significantly influenced by the legal reforms of King Henry II who introduced the jury system to a broader range of cases in the late 12th century this system was seen as fairer and more logical compared to ordeals in summary the church in medieval England was a powerful institution that influenced religion politics and Society religion was Central to people's lives with the church involved in major life events moral guidance education and Community Support the church owned about 1 of the country's wealth managing vast lands and collecting tithes providing a the income the church offered Sanctuary allowing criminals temporary protection in churches and benefit of clergy which allowed educated individuals to be tried in lenient Church courts trial by ordeal ended in 1215 due to Pope Innocent III's decree leading to the adoption of trial by jury which was seen as a fairer and more rational justice system GCSE history topic two crime and punishment in early modern England nature and changing definitions of criminal activity in this video we are looking at continuity and change in crimes against the person property and Authority changes the nature of the crimes of heresy and treason and new definitions of crime in the 16th century attitudes towards crime in early modern England were deeply rooted in Traditions from the Middle Ages however significant changes occurred due to religious economic and social factors crimes against the person continuity violent crimes such as murder and assault were consistently viewed as serious offenses throughout the medieval and early modern periods the methods of dealing with these crimes primarily through harsh punishments like execution or mutilation remained relatively consistent check change witchcraft initially not commonly prosecuted became a significant crime against the person this change was largely due to shifting religious contexts where Protestant and Catholic tensions made certain beliefs and practices suspect or outright illegal the fear that witches could harm individuals through Supernatural means led to harsher punishments including execution crimes against property continuity theft was always a significant concern with harsh penalties such as hanging for more severe cases persisting from medieval times into the early modern period change as England faced various economic strains such as rising prices and unemployment new forms of property crimes emerged vagab bondage which is wandering homelessness combined with theft and poaching became more common as the poor struggled to survive laws became stricter reflecting the authorities increasing concern about social order during economic instability crimes against Authority continuity treason and Rebellion against the monarchy or government were consistently treated as serious offenses with severe punishments that carried over from the medieval period change the Reformation brought significant religious upheaval which saw the criminalization of previously accepted religious practices for example being a Catholic in a Protestant country and vice versa could be seen as a challenge to Royal Authority leading to severe repercussions the reformation and England the impact of the Reformation in England began most notably under Henry VII originally a loyal Catholic Henry broke away from the Roman Catholic church after the pope refused to anull his marriage to cathine of Aragon in 1534 he established the Church of England pointing himself as its head thus ensuring his divorce and marking England's significant religious shift this change meant that subsequent English monarchs alternated between Catholicism and protestantism influencing the nation's religious and political landscape subjects were expected to follow the Monarch's religious lead adhering to either Catholicism or protestantism based on the current ruler Faith definitions of heresy and treason heresy this was defined as holding beliefs that went against the official teachings of the Church of England initially heresy referred to beliefs that differed from Catholic teachings but with the establishment of pro protestantism as the state religion the definition of heresy changed significantly treason in this context treason was the crime of betraying one's country or Monarch especially by attempting to kill or overthrow the Monarch after Henry VII's establishment of the Church of England it also became treason to deny the Monarch's position as the head of the church changes in religious laws the chudah monarchs and James I introduced several religious laws that affected the definitions and prosecutions of heresy and treason Elizabeth I's religious settlement of 1559 this act reinstated the Church of England's independence from Rome making attendance at church services compulsory and penalizing recusancy which was failure to attend these Services the 16005 popish Rance act by James I further tightened penalties against Catholics responding to ongoing fears of Catholic conspiracies which were intensified by the Gunpowder Plot of 16005 where Catholics attempted to blow up the houses of parli punishments for heresy and treason punishments for both heresy and treason were severe reflecting the serious nature of these crimes against the state and the church heresy those convicted of heresy could face burning at the stake a practice intended to serve as a dire warning to others treason punishments for treason included hanging drawing and quartering a brutal process designed to be a public spectacle of deterrence these changes and the severe punishments show how closely connected religion and politics were in early modern England the king or Queen's religion influenced not only just the country's religious practices but also its laws and what was considered loyal or rebellious Behavior therefore the reformation and the events that followed greatly changed what were considered the most serious crimes in England mixing religious Faith with loyalty to the ruler grade nine knowledge chuda Martyrs During the chudah period England was rif with religious conflict leading to the ex ecution of many for their beliefs three notable examples include an ASU in 1546 an ASU was a Protestant who openly criticized the Catholic church and denied the doctrine of transubstantiation the belief that bread and wine turn into the body and blood of Christ during mass she was arrested tortured and eventually burned at the stake for heresy refusing to renounce her Protestant beliefs secondly John Rogers in 1555 John Rogers was a clergyman and Bible translator who became the first Protestant martyr under Queen Mary I also known as Bloody Mary for her persecution of Protestants he was executed by burning for his support of protestantism and his refusal to convert to Catholicism which Mary was trying to restore as the state religion thirdly Edmund Campion in 1581 Edmund Campion was a Jesuit Catholic priest and Scholar during the reign of Elizabeth the he was executed for treason not solely for his Catholic faith but because he was accused of plotting against the queen his missionary work to reinstate Catholicism was seen as a direct challenge to Elizabeth's Protestant rule in the 16th century England saw significant social and economic changes that led to new definitions of crime including vagabondage and Witchcraft vagabondage after 1500 England experienced a number of economic and social problems that contributed to the rise of vagabondage the population was growing wages were falling and food prices were Rising this made life difficult for many forcing them to leave their homes in search of work vagrants or vagabonds were often viewed with suspicion and considered dishonest or potentially dangerous to manage this perceived threat new laws were introduced the vagrancy Act of 1547 this law punished vagabonds by making them slaves for 2 years if they ran away they could be slaves for Life the act for the relief of the poor in 1597 and the 16001 poor law these Acts were designed to provide some support for the poor distinguishing between the deserving and undeserving poor the laws aimed to control and Aid the poor in more structured ways involving local parishes in their care witchcraft witchcraft was widely believed in during this period and fears led to harsher punishments being introduced the 16th century saw an increase in Witch Trials and executions partly driven by anxieties over the unknown and the difficulties of the times land enclosure and poaching the growth of land enclosure during this period changed the landscape of rural England enclosures turned open commonly held land into private property often for sheep farming which was more profitable this led to unemployment and hardship for many rural people displaced their lands they often continued to hunt on enclosed lands leading to the creation of the 1671 game act which made such hunting illegal poaching was considered a social crime often ignored or supported by local communities creating enforcement challenges smuggling in the 17th century as the government introduced import duties in the 17th century smuggling became a lucrative way to avoid the taxes Smugglers brought in Goods like tea tobacco and Spirits illegally the widespread Community involvement and the profits of smuggling made it difficult for authorities to control moral laws in the 1650s during Oliver cromwell's protectorate in the mid 17th century a series of moral laws were introduced these laws reflected the Puritan values of Cromwell and his supporters including strict to observance of the Sabbath the closure of theaters and bans on gambling and drunkenness these laws aim to reform Society according to Puritan standards in summary murder and assault were consistently seen as serious offenses with harsh punishments like execution or mutilation remaining common religious changes led to Witchcraft becoming a significant crime with fears of Supernatural harm resulting in executions theft was always a major concern with severe penalties economic strains introduced new crimes like vagabondage and poaching leading to stricter laws treason and Rebellion were continuously treated as serious offenses with severe punishments intensified by the religious upheavals of the Reformation the Reformation brought laws that criminalized previously accepted religious practices with penalties for Catholics and Protestants depending on the ruling Monarch's faith and economic and social changes led to new crimes like smuggling and moral offenses during cromwell's protectorate nature of law enforcement and Punishment in this video we are looking at the role of the authorities and local communities in law enforcement continuity in the use of Corporal and capital punishment and the start of the bloody code and the introduction of Transportation in early modern England law enforcement continued to involve both the authorities and local communities but there were notable changes in the roles and methods used to M attain order particularly in growing urban areas law enforcement the local community remained crucial in maintaining Law and Order similar to Medieval Times communities took part in the Hue and cry where residents would Chase and capture criminals together Community courts or manorial Court also played a key role in handling smaller local disputes and crimes as towns and cities expanded during the early modern period the role of formal law enforcement became more important the growth of urban areas brought more opportunities for Crime such as theft pickpocketing and other minor offenses it also made it easier for criminals to blend into the crowd and Escape Justice to manage these challenges the roles of town constable and night Watchmen were expanded Town constables were responsible for overall law enforcement maintaining public order and managing The Watchmen they organized searches and arrests and were instrumental in keeping the Peace during the day night Watchmen meanwhile patrolled the streets during the night they were tasked with guarding against theft and other disturbances when the cover of Darkness made criminal activities more common often equipped with a lantern and a staff they were the eyes and ears of town Safety during the night in the absence of a formal police force Thief takers emerged as private IND individuals who were paid to capture criminals Thief takers were often employed when the regular constables and Watchmen were not effective enough or when a victim wanted more immediate action however this system was prone to corruption and abuse as Thief taker sometimes collaborated with criminals and manipulated rewards for their benefit in early modern England the practices of Corporal and capital punishment continued with a strong emphasis on deterrence and retribution much like in medieval evil times this period saw a persistent belief in the effectiveness of harsh punishments to prevent crime by making examples of offenders corporal punishment forms of corporal punishment such as whipping branding and the use of the stocks continued into the early modern period these punishments were not only meant to cause physical pain but also to publicly shame the offender capital punishment execution remained a common penalty for serious crimes such as murder treason and theft public executions were designed to serve as a deterrent with The Condemned often displayed before large crowds the idea was the fear of a painful and humiliating death would discourage others from committing similar offenses development of Prisons during this period the earliest forms of Prisons known as houses of Correction were built unlike modern prisons these were not primarily for long-term confinement but were in intended to reform the idol and disorderly through hard labor like breaking up rocks and discipline houses of Correction were part of a broader effort to manage the poor and unemployed who were often seen as potential sources of disorder grade nine knowledge escaping the death sentence in early modern England there were several ways that individuals could escape the death sentence even if they were found guilty of a capital crime benefit of clergy originally meant for clergy members This legal loophole was expanded to include lay persons who could recite Palm 51 known as the neck verse from the Bible thus demonstrating literacy this could exempt the accused from the death penalty often leading to a lesser punishment like branding on the thumb pleading the belly a woman convicted of a capital crime could claim to be pregnant or plead her belly if a jury of matrons which were women often midwives confirmed her pregnancy her execution would be postponed until after she gave birth giving her a chance to seek a pardon or have her sentence changed Royal pardon this was an act of Mercy granted by the Monarch often influenced by public opinion or political considerations a royal pardon could be granted to individuals for various reasons including perceived injustices or doubts about the guilt of the accused the bloody code the bloody code refers to a period in early modern England when the number of crimes punishable by death increased dramatically by 1688 there were around 50 capital offenses covering a wide range of activities from theft and forgery to cutting down a tree and poaching the term bloody code was later used to describe the system because of its severe and bloody nature as even minor crimes could result in the death penalty the primary intent behind the bloody code was deterence authorities believed that the threat of execution would discourage people from committing crimes this harsh approach was thought to be necessary to maintain social order and protect property especially at a time when the government was less able to enforce laws due to limited police resources despite its intentions the bloody code had several significant flaws desperation many crimes such as stealing small it itms of food or clothing were often committed out of desperation by the very poor the threat of death was not a deterrent for those struggling to survive Pardons and transportation recognizing that many condemned individuals were not hardened criminals authorities often issued pardons some were sentenced to Transportation instead of execution this practice undermined the deterrent effect of the death penalty public attitudes the extreme nature of of the punishments often led to public Sympathy for the accused especially in cases involving Petty crimes this sometimes resulted in juries acquitting guilty individuals by undervaluing stolen goods to avoid a death sentence or judges finding technicalities to avoid execution Transportation Transportation as a punishment was officially introduced in early modern England during the reign of James I this form of punishment involved sending convicts to the English colonies primarily in North America where they were required to perform labor for a set period often 7 years or more it is estimated that between 50,000 and 880,000 people were sentenced to transportation to the American colonies and later to Australia up to 1770 Transportation was a sentence that could be applied to various crimes particularly theft and other property crimes that were not serious enough to Warrant execution but too serious for a mere fine or corporal punishment convicts were shipped to colonies where their labor was used to develop plantations build roads and perform other hard tasks the reasons for the introduction of Transportation included deterrent like many harsh punishments of the time transportation was intended to deter people from committing crimes the prospect of being sent far from home was seen as a significant punishment lack of Prisons during this period England did not have an effect active prison system capable of holding large numbers of inmates for long periods jails were typically temporary holding places Transportation offered a practical solution to this problem labor needs the English colonies in North America required labor for their development transported convicts provided a steady source of forced labor which was particularly valuable in the expanding Agricultural and Industrial Enterprises of the colonies Rehabilitation there is also a belief that transport ation could serve a rehabilitative purpose offering convicts a chance to start a new and reform themselves in a new land far from the bad influences or desperate situations that might have led them to commit crimes initially in summary law enforcement involved local communities helping with the human and cry and manorial Courts for minor disputes Town constables and night Watchmen maintained order in towns and cities Thief takers were private individuals paid to capture criminals when regular law enforcement couldn't however this system was often corrupt punishments included whipping and branding as a corporal punishment to shame offenders and public executions as a capital punishment to deter serious crimes early prisons called houses of Correction aimed to reform criminals through hard labor and discipline rather than long-term confinement the bloody code increased the number of crimes punishing ible by death to scare people away from crime but many were instead pardoned or transported due to the harshness of the punishments convicts were sent to colonies like America and Australia for labor this helped with overcrowded prisons provided labor for colonies and gave convicts a chance to start a new the gunpowder plotters of 16005 in this video we are looking at why the gunpowder plotters wanted to overthrow the king the plot why it failed and the questioning and trial of the plotters and the punishment they received the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 was a failed attempt by a group of English Catholics to overthrow King James I and replace him with a Catholic Monarch the plotters were motivated by several key reasons religious discrimination under the rule of Queen Elizabeth the Catholics had faced persecution and there were hopes that James the first who had a Catholic mother Mary Queen of Scots would be more tolerant towards Catholics however when James I first descended the throne in 1603 he continued Elizabeth's policy of imposing fines on those who refused to attend Protestant services and generally upheld anti-catholic laws hopes dashed initially James the first seemed to suggest a more tolerant approach towards Catholics but this tolerance was short-lived in 1604 he publicly condemned Catholicism as Superstition and his parliament passed harsh measures against Catholics this disillusionment deeply affected the Catholic Community which felt betrayed and more desperate desire for change LED by Robert kesby a committed Catholic the plotter is aimed to end Protestant Rule and establish a Catholic government the plan involved blowing up the House of Lords during the state of opening of parliament an event that James I would attend thereby killing him and many of his Protestant government broader support the plotters hoped that this dramatic act would Inspire the English Catholics to rise up and support the overthrow of James I leading to a change in the government and religious freedom for Catholics the plot was masterminded by Robert catesby a charismatic Catholic figure disillusioned with King James the Reign and his failure to end the persecution of Catholics kesby and his fellow conspirators including guy Forks Thomas Percy and several others rented a Cellar beneath the House of Lords over several months they smuggled 36 barrels of gunpowder into the cellar enough to completely destroy the building and kill everyone inside guy Forks an experienced soldier with expertise ke and explosives was tasked with igniting the gunpowder once the deed was done the plotters planned to incite a rebellion while rescuing princess Elizabeth James the First's daughter to install her as a Catholic Queen however the plot was foiled due to several factors warning letter a few days before the planned explosion Lord monagle a Catholic and brother-in-law to one of the plotters received Anonymous letter advising him to avoid the state opening of parliament the authenticity and origin of the letter are still subjects of historical debate but it warned of a terrible blow to the assembly search of parliament prompted by the letter the authorities conducted a thorough search of the parliament buildings initially nothing suspicious was found but a second more detailed search led to the discovery of guy Forks in the cell just after midnight on the 5th of November along with the hidden gunpowder barrels confession under torture once captured guy Forks was taken to the Tower of London under torture he revealed the details of the plot and named his co-conspirators lack of broader support the plot failed partly because the plotters had overestimated the support they would receive from English Catholics who did not rise up in Rebellion as expected Ed after the discovery of the Gunpowder Plot and the arrest of guy Forks the authorities acted swiftly to capture the remaining conspirators and bring them to justice the questioning and trial of the plotters were marked by intensity and urgency given the severity of the threat they had posed questioning and interrogation guy Forks was the first to be captured found guarding the explosives beneath the House of Lords he was taken to the Tower of London where he initially gave a false name and refused to divulge any details about the plot or his accompli King James I himself authorized the use of torture to extract information under severe torture likely including the rack Forks eventually broke and began to reveal details of the conspiracy including the names of his fellow plotters armed with information from Forks the authorities moved quickly to arrest other members of the plot many of the conspirators fled London attempting to raise a rebellion in the Midlands however they found little support most were eventually captured at hch house in Staffordshire where a gunpowder accident injured several of them making their capture easier trial the trial of the Gunpowder Plot conspirators began on the 27th of January 1606 six eight of the leading plotters were tried including guy Forks Thomas winter Ambrose rwood and Robert Keys the trial was presided over by the Lord chief justice Sir John poppen the evidence presented was overwhelming much of it coming from the confessions of the conspirators themselves who had been interrogated extensively the defense the plotters could offer was minimal given the weight of evidence against them all the leading plotters were found guilty of high treason they were sentenced to be hanged drawn and quarted a typical punishment for treason that was designed to be particularly gruesome and humiliating the executions were carried out over several days in late January and early February 1606 and were public events meant to serve as a deterrent against future treason the failure of the Gunpowder Plot led to a Swift and brutal Crackdown on Catholics and the 5th of November mber became an annual day of Celebration and Thanksgiving for the plot's failure known as guy Forks night or bonfire night after the plot parliament passed the popus recusant act of 16005 which introduced several tough measures aimed at Catholics heavier fines the ACT increased the money that Catholics had to pay if they didn't attend Protestant church services travel restrictions Catholics were not allowed to travel more than 5 miles from their homes without permission making it harder for them to meet or support each other exclusion from jobs and public life the law also made sure that Catholics couldn't hold public office or have any significant influence in political matters in summary English Catholics plotted to overthrow King James I due to continued persecution they aimed to end Protestant Rule and establish a Catholic government led by Robert catesby the plotters smuggled 36 barrels of gunpowder into a Cellar under the House of Lords guy Forks was to ignite the explosives during the state opening of parliament an anonymous letter warned Lord monteal prompting a search that discovered forks and the gunpowder under torture Forks revealed the details and names of the plotters captured plotters including Forks were interrogated and confessed their trial began on the 27th of January 16606 with overwhelming evidence leading to their conviction for high treason the plotters were publicly hanged drawn and quartered to deter future treason these executions were intended as a warning the plot's failure led to harsher laws against Catholics such as heavier fines travel restrictions and exclusion from public office 5th of November became guy Fork's night celebrating the plots failure Matthew Hopkins and the witch hunts of 1645 to 47 in this video we are looking at the intensity of the witch hunts the role of Matthew Hopkins and the punishment of those convicted in early modern England witch hunts were a significant phenomenon fueled by a mix of religious social and economic factors this period saw heightened fears and accusations of Witchcraft with numerous Tri Tri and executions witchcraft was commonly believed to be the practice of using magical powers to harm others whiches were thought to have made packs with the devil to gain these Powers the defining characteristics of which predominantly included being female often elderly or poor and possessing a malevolent intent towards the community laws on witchcraft several monarch passed laws against witchcraft Henry VII in 1542 passed the Witchcraft Act which made it a crime punishable by death to summon evil spirits or use enchantments to harm someone Elizabeth I in 1563 her Witchcraft Act shifted the focus from punishment for causing harm through witchcraft to any use of enchantments this act reduced the punishment in some cases to imprisonment rather than death and less harm was caused James I in 16004 strongly influenced by his personal fear of Witchcraft and his belief in a widespread demonic conspiracy he enhanced the Elizabeth's law to impose the death penalty more broadly for making agreements with evil spirits George II in 1736 by his Reign skepticism about witchcraft had grown and his Witchcraft Act repealed earlier laws treating claims of magical powers as fraud rather than crimes against the state grade nine knowledge James I James I of England who reigned from 1603 to 1625 had a strong belief in witches and their ability to cause harm through Supernatural means his fascination with witchcraft began in Scotland where he was also King as James I 6 James believed that witches were in League with the devil and posed a serious threat to society and his rule a significant event that reinforced his beliefs was a voyage in 1590 when he traveled to Denmark to marry an of Denmark on their return a severe storm nearly caused their ship to wreck James was convinced that this storm was the result of Witchcraft he believed The Witches had cast spells to create the Tempest in an attempt to kill him and his new Queen in 1597 James wrote a book titled demonology to promote his views on witches and demons this book aimed to educate the public about the dangers of Witchcraft and justify the persecution and Punishment of suspected witches demonology includes discussions on the nature of Dem demons methods to identify witches and the importance of Prosecuting them this book significantly influenced the witch hunts and trials in both Scotland and England leading to the execution of many accused witches James's belief in witches reflected the widespread fear and Superstition of the time social economic and religious changes the intensity of the witch hunts was often connected Ed to tough times in communities things like bad harvests economic problems or widespread illnesses could make people more eager to find someone to blame often poor or widowed women were accused of being witches during these hard times the Protestant Reformation and the English Civil Wars also had a big impact on how people viewed witchcraft the Reformation caused deep religious splits and made people more aware of personal faith and the idea of the devil's influence which made them more scared of Witchcraft during the English Civil Wars in the 1640s when political and social order broke down witch hunting became more common as people felt more uncertain and fearful these periods of religious and political upheaval added to the atmosphere of Suspicion and played a big role in The Witch Hunt craze gender and accusations about 90% of those accused of Witchcraft were women this high percentage reflects several factors stereotypes and beliefs women were often stereotyped as being more susceptible to moral and spiritual weakness and thus more likely to succumb to Witchcraft or make packs with the devil social roles and vulnerabilities many women who are accused were also in vulnerable social positions such as being widowed elderly or poor these women were often dependent on their communities for support and any deviation from social norms or expectations could arouse suspicion economic and Community tensions accusations could stem from personal or Community disputes and since women played crucial roles within the domestic sphere conflicts could easily translate into allegations of Witchcraft especially if unexplained misfortunes occurred decline in witch hunts by the end of the early modern period attitudes towards witches had shifted Enlightenment thinking greater skepticism about the Supernatural and improved legal procedures saw a decline in Witch Trials by the time of George II's Reign witches were more often seen as foolish or tricksters rather than dangerous criminals this change reflected broader shifts in knowledge law and Society moving away from superstition towards a more rational and Humane approach to unexplained events Matthew Hopkins Matthew Hopkins is a notorious figure from early modern England known primarily for his role as a self-appointed witch hunter during the English Civil War he is often referred to as the witch finder General although this was not an official title given to him by the government Hopkins operated mainly between 1844 and 1647 a period when the turmoil of the Civil War allowed for unusual legal practices to occur unchecked he emerged from obscurity in essic and quickly took on the role of a witch hunter traveling across East Anglia and offering his services to local communities to help identify witches his activities were concentrated in areas where Puritan influence was strong and local populations were particularly receptive to his methods Hopkins employed several controversial methods to identify witches watching suspected witches were deprived of sleep and watched continuously the idea was that their familiar spirits would appear to feed from them if they were witches swimming test this involved tying suspects up and throwing them into water to see if they would float or sink it was believed that water being a Pure Element would reject the body of a witch causing them to float searching for the devil's marks Hopkins looked for marks on the body that were supposedly made by the devil and insensitive to pain he used needles to probe these marks forced confessions many confessions were obtained under Jess or after prolonged periods of watching and harassment Hopkins activities led to the execution of an estimated 100 to 300 women and men for witchcraft making him directly responsible for more witch executions than any other single person in England his Witch Hunt was one of the largest and deadliest in English History Hopkins published a book titled the discovery of witches in 1647 in which he justified his practices and the legality of his role however his career was relatively short-lived public opinion began to turn against him as criticisms of his methods and the morality of his actions grew by 1647 facing increasing opposition Hopkins retired and he died just a year later in 1648 punishments in early modern England those convicted of Witchcraft face severe punishments reflecting the serious nature of the crime in the eyes of society during that period witchcraft was considered a grave moral and spiritual offense believed to involve making a pact with the devil to cause harm to others the most common punishment for witchcraft was execution typically by hanging less commonly some were burned at the stake a method more frequently used in Scotland and on the European continent before their execution those accused of an endured imprisonment under harsh conditions and could be subjected to various forms of torture or inhumane treatment in an attempt to extract confessions grade nine knowledge the Pendle witches the Pendle witch trials in 1612 are among the most famous witch trials in English History they took place in Lancashire and was sparked by a local girl Alison device who was accused of Witchcraft after an incident with a peddler this accusation quickly led to more accusations within her family and The Wider Community the trials were driven by local judges who wanted to show they were tough on witchcraft aligning with King James I's campaign against witches across the country 12 people were accused of causing the deaths of 10 individuals through witchcraft much of the evidence used in the trials came from Forced confessions and the testimony of Allison's 9-year-old sister jenet device in the end 10 of the accused were found guilty and executed by hanging the trials are notorious for their Reliance un questionable evidence including the testimony of a very young girl whether the Pendle Witch Trials demonstrate the mix of fear Superstition and legal practices surrounding witchcraft at the time in summary witch hunts in early modern England were driven by religious social and economic factors with heightened fears during tough times like bad harvests economic problems and the English Civil War various monarchs passed laws against witchcraft with James I first 1604 act imposing the death penalty for making packs with evil spirits reflecting his strong belief in witches and their threat James I First's personal fear of Witchcraft reinforced by a near shipwreck incident he blamed on witches led him to write demonology promoting the persecution of suspect Ed witches known as the witch finder General Hopkins led a large scale Witch Hunt from 1644 to 47 using controversial methods like the swimming test and force confessions resulting in the execution of between 100 to 300 people about 90% of those accused of Witchcraft were women often poor elderly or widowed reflecting stereotypes and their vulnerable social positions by the late 17th century wit hunts declined due to Enlightenment thinking increased skepticism about the Supernatural and improved legal procedures GCSE history topic three crime and punishment in 18th and 19 century Britain nature and changing definitions of criminal activity in this video we are looking at continuity and change in crimes against the person property and author Authority the crimes of smuggling highway robbery and poaching and the response of the authorities the ending of Witchcraft persecutions and the case of the toll pod Martyrs during the 18th and 19th centuries the nature of crime in Britain evolved significantly due to changes in society the economy and politics while certain types of crime decreased as a result of advancements in policing and legal systems new forms of crime appeared or evolved in response to these changes crimes against the person 18th century in the 18th century Britain saw High rates of violent personal crimes such as murder assault and robbery these were often linked to high poverty levels lack of effective policing and social unrest 19th century by the 19th century violent crimes began to decrease this was due to better policing like the establishment of the Metropolitan Police in 1829 improved town planning and Rising living standards crimes against property 18th Century Property crimes including theft burglary and highway robbery were widespread this was partly due to the Stark differences in wealth between rich and poor but also the lack of secure ways to store valuables 19th century the nature of property crimes shifted with the Industrial Revolution as Britain's economy became more industrialized and urbanized crimes like shoplifting pickpocketing and fraud became more common the development of Railways also saw arise in crimes related to transport such as train robberies crimes against Authority the 18th century crimes against Authority included acts like smuggling and riots these were often politically motivated or driven by economic necessity like smuggling goods to avoid high taxes 19th century as the government introduced more laws to regulate public and economic life there were more opportunities to commit crimes against Authority these included activities like poaching which became a crime due to new game laws the Lite riot where workers destroyed industrial machines that they believed threatened their jobs also highlighted resistance against Authority growth in smuggling during the 18th century the British government imposed taxes on a wide range of imported goods including cloth tea Wine and Spirits these taxes made the goods more expensive for Ordinary People creating a strong financial incentive to smuggle them into Britain without paying duties Smugglers could sell these Goods at lower prices than legally imported products making substantial profits the lucrative nature of smuggling led to the formation of large organized gangs such as the infamous Hurst gang these groups were often well-armed and used violence to protect their illegal activities from Rivals and law enforcement operating mainly in coastal areas and using secluded routs and cover of dark Darkness to move Goods they were difficult for authorities to catch smuggling was often seen as a social crime with a significant amount of popular support many communities viewed Smugglers as Rebels against unfair tax laws rather than criminals this public backing made it even harder for authorities to enforce anti-smuggling laws additionally local populations frequently assisted Smugglers whether by helping to hide Goods or by refusing to cooperate with Customs officers response of the authorities initially the British government struggled to control smuggling the vastness of Britain's Coastline and the secretive nature of smuggling operations made it difficult to police however significant changes began in the late 18th century recognizing that high taxes were part of the problem the government lowered import duy in the 1780s and again in the 19th century this reduction in duties made legally imported goods more competitively priced which decreased the financial gain from smuggling decline in smuggling as legal Imports became more affordable the extent of smuggling gradually declined by the 19th century with reduced incentives for smuggling and better enforcement techniques such as improved Coastal Patrol trolls and better International cooperation against cross border smuggling the once rampant issue began to fade however smuggling did not Disappear Completely and shifted towards more high value or heavily taxed Goods growth in highway robbery highway robbery involved thieves commonly known as Highwaymen attacking travelers to steal their money and valuables these crimes typically occurred on the main roads and were usually armed and very dangerous encounters several factors contributed to the rise in highway robbery during this period transportation of cash before the widespread use of banks people often carried large sums of money when traveling isolated roads many roads especially outside major cities were lonely and poorly patrolled making them ideal spots for robberies improve Improvement of Roads the 18th century saw significant improvements in road infrastructure including the introduction of turnpikes which were toll roads these better roads facilitated increased travel such as regular Stage Coach Services thereby providing more opportunities for robbers famous Highway robbers figures like black Harry became Infamous with some romanticized in popular culture despite their violent activity these individuals often had reputations that spread far and wide adding to the law of The Highwaymen grade n knowledge famous highway men among the most notorious of the 18th century Highwaymen were Dick Turpin and black Harry each of whom had a distinct tale of Daring and demise dick Turin Dick Turpin was perhaps the most famous of all Highwaymen often romanticized as a dashing Rogue however the reality of his life was less glamorous Turpin was originally a butcher but turn to theft and highway robbery he joined various gangs and became notorious for his involvement in burglaries and horse theft his criminal career escalated from Sing livestock to highway robbery where he targ Ed lone Travelers on secluded roads turpin's exploits became widely known partly due to his dramatic flare and the daring nature of his crimes his life of crime came to an end when he was captured in 1739 Turpin was tried and convicted for horse theft a capital crime at the time and was subsequently executed by hanging in 1739 marking a brutal end to his Infamous career black Harry black Harry another Infamous Highwayman was known for his audacity in robbing stage coaches and travelers across the English Countryside unlike Turpin who operated mostly in the Southeast black Harry became a feared figure in the Midlands his real name is lost to history but he earned the nickname black Harry for his dark attire and the black masks he wore during his robberies his reign of terror continued until the Castleton Bow Street Runners finally captured him in a gruesome display meant to deter others black Harry was hanged drawn and quartered demonstrating the severity with which authorities treated threats to Public Safety response of the authorities highway robbery was treated very seriously by the authorities for several reasons impact on trade and communication these robberies disrupted trade and the Postal Service which were vital for the economy and government violation of the King's Highway committing crimes on major roads was seen as an insult to the crown itself legislative actions in 1772 the government passed laws making it a capital offense to be found armed and disguised on a high road with reflecting the severity with which this crime was viewed decline in highway robbery the decline in highway robbery after 1815 was due to increased patrolling more effective policing including regular patrols helped to deter these crimes the growth of the banking system the expansion of banking facilities and services meant that people no longer needed to carry large sums of cash ucing the primary incentive for highway robbery poaching during the 18th and 19th centuries poaching evolved from a survival activity undertaken by individuals into a more organized crime often conducted by gangs these gangs operated on a large scale stealing gain from private lands which was seen as a direct challenge to the property rights of land owners resp respon of the authorities in response to the rise of these poaching gangs the black Act was passed in 1723 this law was a significant escalation in anti-poaching measures making poaching a capital offense it was named the black act because it specifically made it illegal to Blacken one's face or disguise oneself while in a hunting area a common tactic used by poachers to avoid identification the law also made it illegal to carry snares or to own dogs that could be used for poaching targeting the tools and means of committing the crime those Court poaching could face severe penalties including prison sentences fines or even the death penalty under the black act reflecting the seriousness with which these crimes were regarded repeal and changes in the law by the early 19th Century societal attitudes towards capital punishment for crimes like poaching began to shift the black Act was seen as overly harsh and was repealed in 1823 removing the death penalty for poaching however poaching remained illegal and other serious consequences continued to deter the crime after the repeal of the black act penalties for poaching included imprisonment and fines reflecting a more measured approach to penalizing the crime without resorting to Capital Punishment witchcraft persecutions in the centuries before the 18th century witchcraft was often treated as a serious crime punishable by death or severe corporal punishment people accused of Witchcraft were believed to have made packs with the devil to obtain Supernatural Powers the fear and hysteria around witchcraft led to numerous trials and executions across Europe Europe and in Britain the 1736 Witchcraft Act the turning point in Britain came with the passage of the Witchcraft Act in 1736 this significant piece of legislation marked a major shift in how the law viewed and handled accusations of Witchcraft the 1736 act officially decriminalized witchcraft meaning it was no longer recognized as a criminal act to perform witchcraft or magic the government acknowledged that previous laws were based on superstitious beliefs rather than factual evidence instead of capital punishment or severe physical penalties the new law imposed much less severe consequences for those still accused under the broad umbrella of Witchcraft related offenses these included fines and imprisonment particularly for individuals who claim to possess magical powers or who try to deceive others by pretending to conure Spirit reasons for the change several factors contributed to the change in how witchcraft was treated rationalism and Enlightenment the 18th century was deeply influenced by the enlightenment which emphasized reason scientific inquiry and skepticism of superstition as a result the belief in Supernatural explanations for events declin legal reforms there was a broader movement towards reforming legal codes making laws more rational and less cruel the Witchcraft Act of 1736 was part of these broader legal reforms decrease in Witch Trials by the time the Act was introduced there was already a significant decline in the number of witch trials and executions public interest and belief in witchcraft is a genuine threat had waned making the severe treatment of supposed witches increasingly seen as unjustified the toll puddle Martyrs the toll puddle Martyrs were a group of six agricultural laborers from the village of toll puddle in Dorset England in 1834 these men George Loveless James Loveless James Bryan James Hammet Thomas Stanfield and John Stanfield formed a friendly Society the society was essentially an early form of Trade union aimed at protesting against the declining wages and harsh working conditions faced by Farm Workers the men swore an oath of secrecy which was a common practice among such societies to protect their activities and discussions from the prying eyes of employers and authorities however this act of forming a union and taking Oaths was viewed with suspicion and hostility by local landowners and the government response of the authorities during this period there was a heightened concern about political activities and potential uprisings particularly influenced by recent popular uprisings in countries like France the British authorities were anxious to suppress any similar movements that could destabilize the social order or challenge the existing power structures the toll puddle Martyrs were arrested and charged under an obscure law from 1797 that prohibited taking secret oath the government used this law to make an example of them in 1834 they were found guilty and sentenced to transportation to Australia a severe penalty meant to serve as a strong deterrent to others public response the sentencing of the toll puddle Martyrs sparked a massive public outcry Mass protests were organized in their support notably around 100,000 people demonstrated in London additionally a petition with over 200,000 signatures was submitted demanding their release widespread public support highlighted the growing sympathy and recognition of workers rights and the perceived Injustice of their treatment responding to the intense public pressure the government granted the men a pardon in 1836 just two years into their sentence upon their return to England the toll puddle Martyrs received a hero's welcome celebrated as symbols of the struggle for workers rights and Justice in summary violent crimes decreased in the 19th century due to better policing and living standards while property crime shifted from burglary to shoplifting and fraud with industrialization high taxes on Goods led to organized smuggling gangs government response included lowering import duties and improved Coastal patrols reducing smuggling by the 19th century highway robbery increased due to isolated roads and cash carrying Travelers but declined after 1815 due to better policing and the growth of banking the black Act of 172 3 made poaching a capital offense but its repeal in 1823 led to imprisonment and fines instead the 1736 Witchcraft Act decriminalized witchcraft influenced by the Enlightenment and legal reforms reflecting a decreased belief in witchcraft the toll puddle Martyrs were agricultural laborers punished for forming a trade Union leading to mass protests and their eventual pardon symbolizing the struggle for workers rights law enforcement in this video we are looking at the role of the authorities and local communities in law enforcement the development of police forces and the beginning of CID local communities before the 18th century law enforcement in Britain was largely a community-based affair local communities used a system that included Parish constables unpaid community members appointed to maintain order and enforce local laws Watchmen individuals tasked with patrolling Urban streets during the night to guard against disturbances and crime and part-time soldiers also known as militia used for more serious disturbances that required armed intervention Bow Street Runners a significant change came with the Fielding Brothers Henry and John Fielding in the mid 18th century they were instrumental in founding one of the first modern police forces the Bow Street Runners in 1748 created by Henry Fielding who was a magistrate at BO Street Court the Bow Street Runners were established to tackle the growing problem of crime in London the initiative was partly due to the inadequacy of the existing Parish constable and Night Watch systems the Bow Street Runners operated out of Bow Street magistrates Court they were not just reactive they actively pursued criminals making them akin to a modern detective Force the runners also organized regular patrols along major roads collected and shared intelligence and criminals and were proactive in their attempts to catch thieves and other offenders John Fielding succeeding his brother Henry began the publication of wanted persons in the Cent garden journal which helped in spreading information about criminals and enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement by 1785 the Bow Street Runners were being funded by the government marking them as the first official police force supported by the state encouraged by the success of the Bow Street Runners more detective offices were set up in middlex and Westminster to enhance policing capabilities in 1792 the middle sex justices act further formalized policing by setting up additional offices each equipped with six constables dedicated to detecting and arresting suspects this act represented a move towards more organized and structured law enforcement across the region policing London the foundation of modern police policing in Britain began with the formation of the Metropolitan Police in 1829 established under the Metropolitan Police Act initiated by Home Secretary Sir Robert Peele this Act created London's first professional police force which was designed primarily to deter crime through a visible and constant presence on the streets unlike the earlier smaller forces such as the Bow Street Runners the Metropolitan Police was larger and better organized the officers wore distinctive blue overcoats and top hats which were chosen to make them look more like civilians rather than military personnel aiming to gain public trust rather than instill fear policing elsewhere between 1829 and 1856 the adoption of similar police forces in other parts of the country was slow this reluctance was due to concerns over costs and a lack of cooperation between different areas in 1856 the police Act was passed this required all areas of Britain to establish their own professional police forces these forces were also subject to inspection to ensure they met certain standards which helped to unify policing across the country advances in policing several advances in techn techniques took place after 1829 including the detective Branch at Scotland Yard in 1842 recognizing the need for specialized skills in investigating crime a detective Branch was established at Scotland Yard this unit was responsible for investigating serious crimes marking a shift towards more investigative approaches to policing National Crime records in 1869 the establishment of the First National Crime records was a major development in the use of technology and policing it included the use of telegraphs to share information about crimes and criminals across different forces enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement criminal investigations department or Cid in 1878 the C was set up within Scotland Yard with 200 detectives this formalized the investigative function of the police significantly expanding the scope and professionalism of police work in summary before the 18th century law enforcement in Britain relied on community-based systems like Parish constables Watchmen and part-time Soldiers the Bow Street Runners established in 1748 by Henry Fielding were one of the first modern police forces actively pursuing criminals and organizing regular patrols the success of the BR Street Runners led to the establishment of more detective officers and the middle sex justices Act of 1792 which formalized and expanded policing efforts the metropolitan police was founded in 1829 under Sir Robert Peele creating London's first professional police force with officers designed to gain public trust advances in policing techniques included the creation of the detective Branch at Scotland Yard in 1842 National Crime records in 1869 and the establishment of the criminal investigations Department in 1878 changing attitudes to punishment in this video we are looking at changing views on the purpose of punishment and the Bloody code the ending of transportation and public executions and the changing role of prisons and the influence of reformers the bloody code the bloody code refers to a system of laws that by the late 18th and early 19th centuries had made a vast number of offenses punishable by death starting with about 50 capital offenses in 1688 the number increased to 160 by 1765 and reached 222 by 1810 these offenses included not only serious crimes like murder and treason but also minor ones such as stealing items worth more than a shilling cutting down a tree and even stealing horses or sheep initially the harsh penalties of the bloody code were intended to deter people from committing crimes through the fear of severe consequences however by the early 19th century this approach to punishment began to be questioned for several reasons there was growing skepticism about the effectiveness and moral justification of executing IND individuals for relatively minor crimes critics argued that such severe punishments were neither just nor effective in preventing crime the Enlightenment and Rising humanitarian ideas led many to criticize the cruelty of the bloody Code influential thinkers and reformers started campaigning for more Humane forms of punishment that could lead to Rehabilitation as prisons became overcrowded transport ation to penal colonies like Australia became a favored alternative transportation was seen as a way to not only punish offenders but also rehabilitate them through hard labor in a far off land away from their familiar criminal environments imprisonment gradually became viewed as a more rational and Humane form of punishment the development of the modern prison system with its focus on reform and discipline provided an alternative to the death penalty that still allowed for the protection of society and offender Rehabilitation responding to these changing attitudes reforms began to take shape throughout the early to mid 19th century many capital offenses were removed from the books significantly reducing the number of crimes punishable by death the reforms culminated in the significant reduction of the death penalty and the expansion of imprisonment and transportation as alternatives Transportation initially British convicts were transported to the American colonies however after losing these colonies following the American Revolution in 1776 Britain needed a new destination for its prisoners Australia became that destination starting with the First Fleet in 1787 which transported convicts to establish a penal colony in New South Wales over the course of the 18th and 19th centuries around 160,000 people were transported to Australia Transportation served multiple purposes overcrowded prisons British prisons were severely overcrowded Transportation provided a way to reduce this pressure Colonial expansion transporting convicts to Australia also supported Britain's objective of expanding and securing its new colonies convicts were used as a form of forc Labor to develop the the colonies including building infrastructure and cultivating land convicts awaiting departure were held in hulks old ships converted into floating prisons the journey to Australia could take up to 3 months during which convicts were kept below deck in cramped and often deplorable conditions upon arrival convicts were assigned to work for settlers or on public projects their labor was crucial to the colony's development after serving their sentences which often lasted 7 years many convicts remained in Australia the cost of a return journey to Britain was too expensive for most and they had little choice but to start a new in the colony Transportation as a penal practice ended in 1868 due to several factors opposition in Australia as the colonies developed socially and economically local opposition to the continued transportation of convicts grew settlers wanted to distance their communities from the stigma of being penal colonies humanitarian concerns in Britain attitudes towards punishment were changing Transportation began to be seen as inhumane and an ineffective deterrent the long separation from home and the harsh conditions faced by convicts raised moral questions economic and practical consideration s the costs involved in transporting and maintaining convicts overseas were significant at the same time the expansion of the prison system within Britain offered more controlled and potentially reformative ways to deal with criminals public executions public executions were traditionally intended as a deterrent a way to instill fear of the consequences of crime people were executed in public spaces typically by hanging for crimes ranging from petty theft to murder however by the 19th century the effectiveness and morality of this practice were increasingly questioned several issues led to Growing criticism of public executions many people argued that public executions were barbaric and inhumane not only for the individuals being executed but also as a spectacle for those watching the events attracted large crowds where many were often drunk and disorderly instead of solemn occasions reflecting the severity of crime executions became public spectacles the large Gatherings provided ample opportunities for crimes such as pickpocketing and prostitution ironically contributing to the very problem crime that they were meant to deter reformers played a crucial role in questioning and ultimately changing the practice practice of public executions prominent figures like Charles Dickens argued against public executions doubting their effectiveness as a deterrent they suggested that these spectacles did little to prevent crime and instead brutalize the public desensitizing them to violence responding to these criticisms and shifting public opinion Britain formerly ended public executions in 1868 the capital punishment Amendment Act of 1868 directed that all executions be carried out within Prison Walls away from public view prisons the 18th and 19th centuries were pivotal in shaping the modern concept of imprisonment in Britain influenced by the humanitarian efforts of reformers like John Howard and Elizabeth fry the prison system underwent substantial changes that shifted its focus from Mere confinement to a more complex role incorporating punishment deterence and Rehabilitation punishment it was commonly believed that prison sentences should involve hard labor to repay Society the tread wheel introduced in the 19th century was a large wheel that prisoners had to step on continuously akin to walking upstairs which was exhausting and served no real purpose other than punishment deterence prisons were seen as a way to deter crime by making the experience of being imprisoned unpleasant and feared Rehabilitation there was a growing belief that prisons should offer Rehabilitation to inmates helping them reintegrate into society as law abiding citizens grade nine knowledge prison work in the early 19th century influenced by the Howard report British prisons initially allowed prisoners to engage in productive work such as making small tools and ornaments this work sometimes involved collaborating with local businesses and prisoners earned a small wage to buy Essentials and save for their release however concerns arose that prison Keepers might be profiting from these activities as attitudes shifted towards the mid 19th century the purpose of prison labor transitioned from Rehabilitation to punishment with hard labor becoming predominant the work assigned during this period was punishing and monotonous often serving no practical purpose other than to break the prisoners Spirits one significant task was the tread wheel or treadmill introduced in 1818 while some tread Wheels initially had practical applications such as Milling flour or pumping water giving prisoners a sense of purpose by 1865 Mo served no real function other than to occupy the Prisoners the regimen on the tread wheel was grueling with prisoners alternating between 10 minutes of Labor and 5 minutes of rest all conducted in silence another punishing task was the shot drill where prisoners had to move heavy cannibals from one spot to another endlessly and exhaustively without achieving any productive outcome similarly the crank required prisoners to turn a handle thousands of times a day to churn sand or gravel inside a drum a purely exhausting activity with no output additionally o picking was a common task where prisoners untwisted old tar covered ropes from ships to separate the fibers these fibers were then used to Cork ships and fill prison mattresses the process was physically demanding causing prisoners hands to cramp and bleed after long periods of work influential reformers John Howard background Howard was born in London in 1726 appointed High Sheriff of bedfordshire in 1773 Howard was responsible for the local jail and was appalled by the conditions he found reform efforts Howard published the state of prisons in England and Wales in 1777 documenting the poor conditions across many jails he campaigned for clean facilities decent food and water the provision of Christian teaching and the use of private cells he believed that criminals could only reform if they were given a decent standard of living impact Howard's work led to awareness and reforms in the prison system emphasizing Health cleanliness and the moral Improvement of prisoners Elizabeth fry ground fry was born in Norfolk in 1780 she began her charity work at age 18 helping the poor sick and prisoners she was deeply impacted by the conditions she witnessed during her visit to Newgate Prison in 1813 where she found women and children living in filthy overcrowded conditions alongside dangerous criminals reform efforts she helped helped organized petitions and campaigned rigorously for prison reforms in 1817 she helped establish the association for the Reformation of female prisoners at Newgate which work to improve conditions for women inmates impact bry's efforts led to broader reforms in the treatment of women and children imprisons and highlighted the need for gender specific approaches to imprisonment this included the employment of female wardens and the provision of Education fit and clothing prison reforms key reforms in the prison system in the 19th century included 1823 introduction of holding prisoners in categories separating them by gender crime and repeat offense status 1835 jail act this act required the regular inspection of prisons and aimed to standardize the treatment of inmates across Britain 1865 prisons act stipulated that prisoners were to live and work under harsh conditions as a form of punishment and deterrence 1877 all prisons were brought under government Authority standardizing the management and operation of penal facilities across the country 1898 prison act emphasized the rehabilitation and reform of prisoners in summary the bloody code drastically increased the number of capital offenses with 222 crimes punishable by death by 1810 including minor thefts the Enlightenment and humanitarian ideas criticized the harsh penalties leading to the preference for imprisonment and transportation over executions transportation to Australia began in 1787 to alleviate overcrowded prisons and support Colonial expansion ending in 1868 due to opposition and humanitarian concerns public executions ended in 1868 due to criticisms of their brutality and ineffectiveness moving executions inside prisons influential reformers like John Howard and Elizabeth fry advocated for Humane treatment leading to reforms that improved prison conditions and emphasized Rehabilitation key prison reforms incl included categorizing prisoners regular inspections harsh conditions as deterrence and the gradual shift towards government management and Rehabilitation focused policies Pentonville prison in the mid 19th century in this video we are looking at the construction of Pentonville prison and the reasons for it and the strengths and weaknesses of the separate system in operation Pentonville prison constructed in 1842 in London was a groundbreaking development in Britain's 19th century prison system its design and strict rules were based on the idea that isolating prisoners and enforcing strict discipline could change them for the better the separate system used at Pentonville became a model for other prisons of the time showing the typical Victorian beliefs in order discipline and improving morality however whether these methods truly helped to rehabilitate at prisoners or improve their well-being is still debated by historians design and structure the separate system under this system prisoners were kept apart for up to 23 hours a day the goal was to ensure that they were not influenced by other prisoners to allow for self-reflection and to serve as a form of Retribution physical layout Pentonville was designed to support this system with its plan consisting of five Wings radiating from a central Hall each Wing contained dozens of individual cells specifically constructed to house a total of 520 prisoners cell specifications each cell measured 4 M by 2 m and was equipped with a small high window that had thick glass and iron bars to limit communication and ensure minimal external distractions the cells had water piped directly to them each fitted with a wash basin and a toilet this setup not only maintained sanitary conditions but also reinforced the isolation of the prisoners daily regime and discipline work in cells the work assigned to prisoners was intentionally monotonous and isolating such as o picking which is teasing out old ropes which was mentally dull and physically tiring exercise in Chapel prisoners were allowed short periods of exercise during which they had to wear face masks to prevent communication when attending Chapel Services they sat in individual booths designed to prevent them from seeing or communicating with each other by the end of the 19th century the regime at Pentonville and other similar institutions became even hard Russia the 1865 prisons act influenced by Sir Edmund duain the assistant director of Prisons mandated a regime of hard labor hard fair and hard board this meant that prisoners were subjected to physically demanding work given bland food and made to sleep on wooden boards these measures were intended to make prison life a deterrent to Crime through severe physical and psychological hardship strengths and weaknesses the separate system had both strengths and weaknesses strengths sanitary conditions one of the major strengths of Pentonville prison was its focus on sanitary conditions which was a significant improvement over previous prison standards each cell was equipped with modern features such as ventilation Heating and piped water these advancements helped prevent the spread of diseases and provided a clean and living environment which was a rarity in prisons at the time prevention of inmate corruption the system aimed to prevent the corruption of inmates by minimizing contact between them reducing the chances of more seasoned criminals influencing others the idea was that isolation would help focus on individual reflection and moral reform weaknesses mental health issues a significant drawback of the separate system was its impact on the mental health of prisoners the solitary conditions often led to high rates of suicide and the development of mental health conditions the lack of social interaction and the monotony of solitary confinement were extremely harsh on prisoners psychological well-being criticisms from reformers prominent reformers like Elizabeth fry raised concerns about the separate system fry known for her advocacy for more Humane treatment of prisoners especially women and children argued that complete isolation was cruel and detrimental to the rehabilitation process she believed that social interaction and educational programs could be more beneficial in reforming criminals in summary opened in 1842 Pentonville used the separate system to isolate prisoners for up to 2 3 hours daily aiming to prevent negative influences and encourage self-reflection the prison had five Wings radiating from a central Hall with individual cells equipped with piped water wash basins and toilets to ensure sanitary conditions and maintain isolation prisoners did monotonous work like Oak picking exercised wearing face masks to prevent communication and attended Chapel Services in individual booths the 1865 prisoners act influenced by Sir Edmund duain enforced harsh conditions including hard labor bland food and wooden beds to deter crime through severe hardship strengths improved sanitary conditions and prevented immate corruption by minimizing contact aiming for individual moral reform weaknesses led to mental health issues and high suicide rates criticized by reformers like Elizabeth fry for being cruel and hindering Rehabilitation due to extreme isolation Robert Peele video we are looking at Robert peele's contribution to penal reform and peele's contribution to the development of the Metropolitan Police Force Robert Peele was Home Secretary from 1822 to 27 and 1828 to 30 and later served as prime minister from 1834 to 35 and 1841 to 46 during his time in office he initiated several crucial reforms that work to make the criminal law system more Humane and just his contributions to law enforcement and penal reform had lasting impacts earning him the title of the father of modern policing penal reform in 1825 he significantly reduced the number of capital offenses by about 100 moving away from the harsh penalties described by what was known as the bloody code this reduction included more proportionate punishments for lesser crimes which marked a shift towards a more balanced approach to Justice in 1827 Peele successfully repealed the black act which had impos the death penalty for over 50 different crimes many of which were relatively minor this was a significant step in reducing the severity of punishments in England Peele was influenced by the prison reform Advocate Elizabeth fry who was known for her work in improving conditions for female prisoners acting on such advice he pushed for more humaine treatment within prisons the 1823 jails Act was a major part of peele's reforms it mandated several improvements in the conditions of Prisons chaplain's visits required that prisoners receive regular visits from chapins aiming to provide moral guidance and support professional jailers the the ACT stated that jailers of prison wardens should be paid which aim to professionalize the role and reduce corruption female wardens for female prisoners this provision ensured that female prisoners were supervised by female wardens promoting decency and Order no chains or irons the ACT stipulated that prisoners should not be held in Chains or irons and move towards more Humane treatment while pe's re forms were Progressive they had limited immediate impact the lack of an inspectorate to enforce these new regulations meant that many of his reforms were not fully implemented until the 1835 prison act which established regular inspections of Prisons the Metropolitan Police in the late 1820s London was experiencing a wave of crime and frequent rioting highlighting the inadequacies of the existing law enforcement system the vision of Watchmen varied greatly wealthier areas could afford well-trained Watchmen while poorer districts often had little effective policing this inconsistency contributed to a rise in crime and a general sense of insecurity in response to these challenges the first police officers often called bobbi's after Robert Peele were appointed in 1829 peele's new police force was organized disciplined and centrally controlled the off officers were required to carry out foot patrols covering 7 to 10 mil a day to maintain a visible presence on the streets they were equipped with a uniform trenin handcuffs and a wooden rattle to signal for assistance this equipment and their presence aimed to deter crime through visibility and Readiness the police force offered better rates of pay compared to manual labor jobs making it an attractive option for many workingclass men this helped to ensure that the force could recruit a reliable and steady Workforce however the introduction of a centralized police force was met with significant opposition many people feared that it could lead to oppression resembling a military force rather than a civilian service concerns about the cost of maintaining such a force were also prevalent to address these concerns and set a high standard for policing Peele Drew up a list of guidelines for the new recruits the these guidelines laid the foundation for modern policing and included principles such as the basic mission of the police should be to prevent crime and disorder officers must conduct themselves in a manner that maintains public respect and physical Force should be a last resort used only when persuasion advice or warning have proven ineffective grade n knowledge peels other reforms Robert Peele played a significant role in advancing social reform in 19th century Britain his period in government marked a crucial phase for improving the conditions of the working class and modernizing infrastructure to support economic growth and social Mobility one of pe's key social reforms was the introduction of legislation to reduce working hours for women and children this was part of broader efforts to address the harsh conditions in factories which were notorious for overworking vulnerable populations under dangerous conditions by limiting the hours that women and children could work these laws aim to protect their health and well-being ensuring they were not exploited excessively in industrial settings additionally peele's government facilitated the development of cheap and regular rail services this initiative was part of the early Victorian rail boom that greatly expanded the railway Network making travel more accessible to the masses affordable and frequent trains allowed for easier commuting and were pivital in promoting Economic Development as they enabled the wider distribution of goods and helped people travel to work more efficiently across longer distances in summary in 1825 Robert peel reduced the number of capital offenses by about 100 moving away from the harsh penalties of the bloody code in 1827 PE repealed the black act which had imposed the death penalty for over 50 minor crimes reducing severe punishments influenced by Elizabeth fry pe's 1823 jails act introduced regular chaplain visits paid professional jailers female wardens for female prisoners and prohibited the use of chains and irons for more Humane treatment in 1829 Robert Peele created the Metropolitan Police Force to address Rising crime in London with a centrally controlled disciplined Force peele's principles emphasized crime prevention public respect and minimal use of force forming the basis of modern policing despite initial opposition pe's reforms professionalized law enforcement earning him the title father of modern policing nature and definitions of criminal activity in this video we are looking at continu and change in crimes against the person property and authority and changing definitions of crime the 20th century witnessed the emergence of new crimes alongside the continuation of older crimes that adapted to new methods and Technologies additionally some behaviors that were previously considered criminal were decriminalized due to changing attitudes in society crimes against the person domestic violence in the 19th century the prevailing societal view reflected in the law was that men were the dominant Partners in relationships and authorities had no right to intervene in instances of violent Behavior within a marriage however as awareness about gender equality grew through the 20th century driven by women's rights movements significant legal changes were made the domestic violence Act of 1976 was pivotal enabling victim to seek injunctions a legal order designed to prevent further harm the legal protections were further strengthened when rape within marriage was criminalized in 1991 and in 2014 controlling or coercive Behavior also became recognized as a crime addressing more subtle forms of abuse in a relationship such as telling a partner who they can see when they can leave the home or controlling access to money building on these developments The Domestic Abuse Act of 2021 was introduced broadening the definition of domestic abuse to include emotional coercive or controlling and economic abuse it also established new protections for victims and placed stricter requirements on authorities to respond to domestic abuse despite these legal advancements domestic abuse remains a significant issue in the year ending march 2020 an estimated 2.3 3 million adults aged 16 to 74 years experiened domestic abuse in the UK with 1.6 million women and 757,50 ific advancement in how hate crimes are handled this law was introduced to address crimes motivated by bias against a person's race gender disability or sexual orientation before this act for example attacking someone because they were gay was treated like any other assault but the new law enabled courts to impose harsher sentences for such offenses this change reflected a broader societal shift towards recognizing and challenging pre J and discrimination the aim was not only to punish offenders more severely but also to offer a greater protection to vulnerable groups race crimes the 1968 race relations act was a landmark piece of legislation in Britain that made it illegal to discriminate based on race in areas such as employment housing and access to public services the law was later expanded in 2006 to include crimes of racial or religious hatred these changes were driven by Britain's growing diversity fueled by immigration from commonwealth countries the goal of these laws was to foster a more integrated and harmonious Multicultural Society by ensuring that people of all Races and backgrounds could live and work without facing discrimination abortion until the 1967 abortion act abortion in Britain was largely illegal which led many women to resort to unsafe methods this changed with the introduction of the ACT which legalized abortion under specific conditions such as when there was a significant risk of the child being born with serious disabilities the push for this legal reform was driven by more open attitudes towards women's rights as well as public health concerns about the dangers of unsafe abortions crimes against property copyright theft traditional crimes like theft and smuggling have evolved with technology leading to Modern issues like copyright theft for example downloading music games and films without paying for them is a form of copyright theft because these items are protected by copyright laws this Evolution shows how crime has both stayed the same and changed as these acts are still about taking something without permission but now it involves digital property advancements in technology and updates to intellectual property laws have changed our understanding of what theft includes adapting the legal definitions to include these new forms of property and making sure laws keep up with the changes in society and Technology cyber crime and fraud cyber crime and fraud have transformed in the modern era with criminals Now using digital Technologies to commit crimes on a much larger scale for instance today cyber crimes might involve hacking into personal to steal identities launching fishing attacks to gather sensitive information or creating fraudulent websites to deceive consumers these changes have been driven by advances in technology and the growing digitization of financial activities which have opened up new avenues for criminals as a result the law and police methods have had to evolve to keep Pace with these sophisticated forms of crime crimes against Authority driving offenses driving offenses such as drink driving and speeding have been significant safety concerns on the roads in 1967 legal limits were introduced for alcohol consumption by drivers to enhance Raad safety despite this for much of the 20th century society's attitudes towards drink driving and speeding were relatively lenient many people resisted changing their driving habits seeing these laws as an infringement on personal freedom this this resistance contributed to the continued occurrence of these offenses showing How Deeply ingrained behaviors can slow the effectiveness of new laws drugs the misuse of drugs Act of 1971 was introduced as a way to tackle the growing concerns about drug abuse and its effects on society and public health the government saw the need to control substances that were considered harmful and were impacting social order and the health of individuals this law was motivated by the desire to reduce the negative consequences of drug use aiming to protect the public and maintain safety within communities terrorism the terrorism Act of 2000 was introduced to update and strengthen the legal response to terrorism which is defined as the use of violence and intimidation particularly against civilians to achieve political objectives this law was developed in response to evolving threats from groups like the IRA and alqaeda which demonstrated that terrorism tactics were changing and becoming more Global in nature the act includes Provisions for defining what constitutes a terrorist act establishing the powers for police to arrest and detain suspects and setting the procedures for handling terrorist organizations and their activities in summary new domestic violence laws were created to protect victims of domestic violence vience including making marital rape illegal in 1991 and recognizing emotional and financial abuse by 20201 changes in the law in 2003 and earlier acts aimed to stop crimes motivated by prejudice and discrimination promoting equality for all Races and backgrounds the 1967 abortion Act made abortion legal under certain conditions reflecting changing views on women's rights and addressing health concerns about unsafe abortions as technology advanced crimes like cyber crime and copyright theft became common leading to new laws and ways to catch criminals laws introduced limits on drink driving in 1967 and aimed to control drug abuse in 1971 improving Public Safety and Health the 2000 terrorism act strengthened the response to threats like those from the IRA and alqaeda defining terrorism and giving police more power to act law enforcement in this video we are looking at the role of the authorities and local communities in law enforcement and changes within the police force since 1900 the role of both authorities and local communities in law enforcement in Britain has evolved significantly with Community involvement becoming increasingly Central to policing strategies role of the authority authorities including the police force are responsible for maintaining public order preventing detecting and investigating crimes over the years their approach has shifted towards a more collaborative effort with the communities they serve this partnership aims to enhance trust and cooperation between the police and the public which is crucial for Effective law enforcement role of local communities local communities play a vital role in supporting these efforts by being the eyes and ears on the ground community members are encouraged to be vigilant to report crimes or suspicious activities and to work together to create safer neighborhoods this active participation not only helps in the immediate prevention and resolution of crimes but also works to reduce the fear of crime among residents contributing to a more secure environment neighborhood watch one sign significant example of community participation in law enforcement is the neighborhood watch scheme first established in 1982 neighborhood watch involves local residents in crime prevention efforts forming networks that Foster a Cooperative Spirit among neighbors aimed at keeping the area safe members keep an eye on each other's properties share information about suspicious activities and collaborate with the police with over 3 million households now involved the these schemes have proven effective in preventing crime by promoting local vigilance enabling faster reporting of crimes and reducing the fear of crime in communities since 1900 policing in Britain has undergone significant Transformations characterized by increased specialization the adoption of scientific and technological advancements and a shift towards preventative policing Recruitment and training women have been part of the British police force since the first world war but their roles expanded significantly after the second world war initially restricted to dealing with women and children they now serve in all capacities reflecting broader gender equality movements training has become more rigorous and comprehensive focusing not just on physical capabilities but also on community relations legal knowledge and specialized skills this prepares officers to handle a variety of situations more effectively grade n knowledge women in policing women in policing began during the first world war when the Metropolitan Police first established a voluntary women's Force to cope with a Manpower shortage it wasn't until 1919 however that women were forly employed by the Metropolitan Police sfia Stanley became the first official female recruit marking a significant step towards the IND integration of women into policing initially the roles assigned to these women were limited they primarily handled cases involving children and women and performed basic foot patrols a landmark change occurred in 1973 when female officers were granted access to the same positions and duties as their male counterparts enabling them to engage in all aspects of police work this shift represented a significant move towards gender equality with within the force the advancements continued into the late 20th century with Paul and CLA making history in 1996 by becoming the first female Chief constable in the Lancer conaby more recently in April 2017 creser dick was appointed as the first female police commissioner of the Metropolitan Police the highest position within the force despite these achievements the balance between male and female officers still shows dispari as of 2020 only 31.2% of police officers in the UK were women with men significantly outnumbering women especially at senior levels Like Chief superintendent where 77% were men use of Science and Technology modern policing increasingly relies on advanced technology to both solve and prevent crime making Police Operations faster and more dependable key developments include 1901 the fingerprint Branch was established at the Metropolitan Police Headquarters revolutionizing identity verification and crime solving by providing a reliable method to link suspects to crime scenes 1909 bicycles were introduced enhancing police Mobility for patrol duties and rapid response especially in urban areas 1930s the installation of two-way Ros in police cars and the introduction of the 999 emergency number greatly improved communication capabilities and response times 1960s the Metropolitan police's adoption of computers marked a significant shift towards more efficient data management and crime tracking 1967 the introduction of breathalyzers provided police with a scientific tool to combat drink driving significantly improving raid safety 1980 the launch of the police national computer enabled Nationwide data sharing among police forces enhancing the ability to track and capture criminals across different regions 1988 and 1995 DNA technology began to play a critical role with the first murder convictions based on DNA samples in 1988 and the establishment of the national DNA database in 1995 which further empowered police with reli viable forensic evidence for solving crimes CCTV and Biometrics the widespread use of CCTV cameras and biometric screening like facial recognition technology has improved surveillance capabilities and helped in both the prevention and solving of crimes specialization throughout the 20th century police forces established specialized departments to address particular kinds of crime often in reaction to the emergence of new Criminal activities these include fraud Squad established in 1946 to tackle Financial crimes reflecting the growing complexity of economic interactions after the second world war dog handling units most forces had specialized units trained in search and rescue drug detection and maintaining public order by the 1950s Metropolitan Police bomb squad this was established in 1971 to handle and new neutralize exposive devices in London the unit's experts are trained to safely diffuse bombs and other exposive hazards helping to protect the public and prevent potential disasters in high-risk situations National high-tech crime unit this unit was set up in 2001 and specializes in investigating a wide range of online crimes including fraud hacking and the distribution of illegal digital content aiming to protect individuals and organizations and the dangers of the digital world special branch and National Crime agency 2013 these units focus on National Security and organized crimes such as drug trafficking using both intelligence gathering and direct enforcement to maintain Public Safety focus on prevention police forces actively engage with communities to Foster saf environments and prevent crime they collaborate with schools to teach young people about laws SA safety and the impacts of criminal Behavior aiming to discourage such behavior from an early age additionally initiatives like neighborhood watch schemes and the presence of police Community Support officers enhance visible law enforcement in neighborhoods this visibility helps deter crime and address antisocial Behavior effectively police Community Support officers are especially crucial they build trust within the community and handle non-emergency tasks allowing regular officers to concentrate on more serious incidents in summary local communities now play a bigger role in law enforcement with schemes like neighborhood watch helping people work together with the police to keep areas safe policing has shifted to focus more on preventing crime and working closely with the community to build trust and cooperation women's roles in the police have expanded significantly since the first world war with equal opportunities since 1973 reflecting broader gender equality technology like fingerprinting DNA analysis and CCTV has improved how police solve and prevent crimes making their work faster and more reliable special units have been created to handle specific crimes such as fraud and cyber crime allowing for more effective crime fighting police work with schools and communities to prevent crime with police Community Support officers helping to increase safety and reduce antisocial Behavior in this video we are looking at the abolition of the death penalty changes to prisons including for young offenders and the development of non-custodial alternatives to prison abolition of the death penalty the death penalty has a long history in Britain being a method of punishment since Anglo-Saxon times however it use decline significantly from the beginning of the 19th century by the 1830s the death penalty was primarily reserved for cases of Mur murder and treason key legislative changes in the 20th century 1908 the children's act prohibited the execution of individuals under the age of 16 1922 the infanticide Act was introduced which meant that mothers who killed their newborn babies were no longer eligible for the death penalty acknowledging the potential impact of mental disturbances associated with childbirth 1933 The Young Person's act ended the execution of individuals under the age of 18 reflecting a growing recognition of the different levels of maturity and understanding between children and adults 1949 a royal Commission on capital punishment was established signaling the beginning of serious re-evaluation of this practice 1957 the homicide act further restricted the death penalty to five specific C categories of murder including committing two murders on different occasions or murders involving shooting or explosions 1965 the murder abolition of death penalty act temporarily abolished the death penalty for most crimes which became permanent in 1969 1998 the death penalty was removed as a punishment for crimes such as high treason and piracy with violence 1999 Britain ratified ified the sixth protocol of the European Convention of Human Rights forly abolishing the death penalty influences on abolition the abolition of the death penalty in Britain was influenced by several factors including changing societal attitudes towards capital punishment the recognition that children and young people do not possess the same level of understanding or responsibility as adults led to legislative changes raising the age of criminal responsibility 10 in 1963 and abolishing capital punishment for those under 18 the treatment of mothers under the infanticide act also reflected a shift towards more lenient and understanding approaches recognizing the profound impact of pregnancy and child birth on a woman's mental state several controversial executions in the 1950s played a significant role in shifting public opinion against the death penalty Timothy Evans in 1950 wrongly executed for the murders of his wife and daughter later found to have been committed by his neighbor John Christie Derek Bentley 1953 executed for the murder of a policeman during a robbery despite the fact that it was his accomplice who fired the shot Bentley's mental capacity and the fairness of his trial were widely questioned Ruth Ellis in 1955 the last woman to be hanged in Britain executed for murdering her violent and abusive partner her case sparked widespread public sympathy and highlighted issues of domestic abuse these cases among others contributed to a growing public and political consensus that the death penalty was an irreversible and inhumane punishment leading to its eventual abolition changes to prisons during the 20th century British prisons saw major changes which mirrored shifts in how Society viewed punish ment Rehabilitation and the goals of imprisoning people the way prisoners were treated and the function of Prisons kept changing but people continued to discuss and question how effective and Humane these institutions were key developments 1896 a major reform was the recognition of the need for separate treatment of mentally ill prisoners leading to the opening of Broadmore hospital this facility was established specifically to provide care and containment for individuals whose mental illness deemed them unfit for regular prisons 1920 the end of hard labor marked a significant shift in the approach to punishment previously prisoners were subjected to physically strenuous tasks as a form of Retribution and deterrence the abolition of hard labor was part of a broader move towards more Humane conditions with impr prisons 1922 the separate system which isol at ated prisoners from each other to encourage reflection and repentance was ended this change was accompanied by new initiatives aimed at improving prison conditions and promoting Rehabilitation over mere punishment 1933 the opening of the first open prison at New Hall in Wakefield introduced a more liberal approach to imprisonment open prisons allowed certain prisoners typically those deemed low risk to work or receive education outside the prison on day release this system aimed to prepare inmates for eventual reintegration into society reflecting a growing focus on Rehabilitation 1970 the employment of probation officers to supervise offenders living outside of prison represented an expansion of the rehabilitative approach probation officers play a crucial role in helping reintegrate offenders into society providing supervision and support to reduce the likelihood of reoffending changing attitudes throughout the 20th century the way people viewed prisons changed significantly initially prisons were mainly seen as places for punishment however over time there was a shift towards viewing them as places for rehabilitation this change was driven by a better understanding of the social psychological and economic factors that can lead to criminal Behavior today Rehabilitation programs educational courses and psychological support are key parts of the prison system these elements are essential for helping former prisoners reintegrate into society and for reducing the likelihood of reoffending however the role and effectiveness of Prisons continue to be hotly debated topics some critics believe that prisons Focus too much on locking people away and not enough on rehabilitating them they also argue that the conditions inside many prisons aren't good enough to help inmates adjust to life after release on the other hand supporters of tougher punishment argue that the justice system should put Public Safety First and focus on punishing those who break the law young offenders since 1900 the treatment of young offenders in Britain has changed considerably moving to an approach that prioritizes Rehabilitation and reintegration into society ball stalls the first ball store was established in 1902 in Kent exclusively for boys the idea was to separate young offenders from adult criminals to prevent negative influences the B STS were intended to reform rather than simply punish focusing on education and discipline the 1908 the prevention of crime act officially introduced a national system of bols across Britain the daily routine in these institutions was strict and disciplined but the emphasis was on education as a means of Rehabilitation Bor were abolished in 19 82 by the criminal justice act and replaced by youth custody centers which aim to modernize the treatment of young offenders reforms in the 1940s significant youth Justice reforms were implemented by the post-war labor government known for various welfare reforms these reforms were heavily influenced by Alexander Patterson a prisons commissioner from 1922 to 1947 who encouraged probation and Rehabilitation over punish ment the 1948 criminal justice act introduced a system which included detention centers these were less harsh than bals and offered a more relaxed regime attendance centers designed for young offenders who had committed minor offenses these centers required attendance only on weekends allowing the youth to continue their regular activities during the week reforms in the 1960s the children and young persons Act of 1963 and 1969 brought further changes significantly altering how young offenders were treated in juvenile courts the 1963 act emphasized the need to care for and protect young offenders marking a shift towards a more protective approach in the justice system the 1969 act focused even more on Rehabilitation favoring care orders and supervision by probation officers and social workers instead of detention this act represented a move towards integrating young offenders back into society through supportive measures rather than isolating them non-custodial Alternatives in recent years there's been a significant shift in attitudes towards criminal justice with a growing emphasis on Rehabilitation and the opportunity for offenders to change rather than focusing solely on punishment this change in perspective has led to the development and increased use of non-custodial alternatives to prison these include antisocial Behavior orders or asbos asbos are issued to individuals who exhibit antisocial behavior these orders impose specific restrictions on where the individuals can go and whom they can contact asbos aim to prevent further antisocial activities by limiting the offender's ability to engage in such behaviors in community settings drug and alcohol treatment programs these Provide support and treatment for offenders whose crimes are motivated by substance abuse issues instead of serving time in prison offenders are given the opportunity to undergo treatment to address their addictions which is seen as a crucial step in preventing future criminal Behavior community service this is often assigned for minor offenses and involves the offender performing work in the community as a way to make amends this can include tasks like cleaning public areas working in charity organizations or other community focused activities it allows offenders to contribute positively to society while reflecting on their actions restorative justice this is a process where offenders meet directly with the victims of their crimes or their relatives to discuss the impact of their actions this face-to-face meeting aims to promote understanding and healing it helps offend Enders to realize the human impact of their actions and encourages them to take responsibility and seek forgiveness electronic tagging this involves fitting an offender with an electronic device that monitors their movements this method is used to ensure that the offender stays within designated areas complying with the terms of their release whether it's a curfew or house arrest it allows offenders to remain in the community while still under Supervision in some Britain's death penalty use declined in the 19th century with complete abolition by 1999 due to changing attitudes and controversial cases that highlighted its flaws the 20th century saw a shift from punishment to rehabilitation in prisons including the end of hard labor and the creation of open prisons to better prepare inmates for reintegration into society treatment of young offenders evolved to focus on Rehabilitation with ball STS and later youth custody centers emphasizing education and support over punishment Alternatives like asbos treatment programs community service restorative justice and electronic tagging reflect the shift towards Rehabilitation and non-custodial alternatives to prison attitudes towards criminal justice now emphasize Rehabilitation and understanding the causes of criminal Behavior though debates about the role of prisons and Punishment persist of conscientious objectives in this video we are looking at the treatment of conscientious objectives in the first world war and the changes in the treatment of conscientious objectives in the second world war the first world war during the first world war Britain introduced conscription for the first time through the military Service Act of 1916 initially the ACT required all unmarried men aged 18 to 41 to join the arm forces starting in March 1916 by May 1916 this requirement was extended to include married men and in 1918 the upper age limit was raised to 51 years conscientious objector was someone who refused to fight in the war due to their personal beliefs which could be based on religious moral or political reasons there were different types of conscientious objectors some were absolutists who refused to particip iate in the war in any form While others were willing to serve in non-combatant roles such as stretcher bearers or ambulance drivers contributing to the war effort without directly engaging in combat the military service act did include a provision known as the conscience Clause that allowed individuals to apply for exemption from conscription on these grounds about 16,500 men applied for this exemption and had to present their cases before local tribunals however these tribunals varied greatly in their fairness and understanding and not all conscientious objectors were treated equally across different regions many absolutists face severe penalties for their refusal to support the war in any capacity they were often imprisoned under harsh conditions including solitary confinement some conscientious objetives were even sent to France and faced military orders they refused these orders they were Tried by military courts and a few were initially sentenced to death these extreme sentences were later commuted or reduced to 10 years in prison following intervention by the Prime Minister David Lloyd George during this time conscientious objectors were often stigmatized as cowardly or unpatriotic in their local communities they faced isolation received hate mail and were sometimes given white feathers symbol of cowardice this treatment reflected widespread societal disdain for those who opposed the war as their stance was seen as undermining the national effort and morale during a time of Crisis the second world war during the second world war the treatment of conscientious obors in Britain showed some notable changes compared to their treatment in the first World War the government implemented more structured options for those who refused to fight due to their personal belief conscientious objectors were often given alternatives to military service such as agricultural or medical work which were considered essential for the war effort this approach marked a shift from the previous war where prison was commonly used as a punitive measure in the second world war imprisonment was considered a last resort used only when objectors refused to participate in any form of service despite these changes the government continued to use extensive propaganda to encourage men to enlist those who actively campaigned against the war such as members of the peace pledge Union fa legal challenges the peace pledge Union for instance faced repercussions for Distributing anti-war posters and campaigning for peace the broader societal attitude towards conscientious obors was also different during the second world war with Britain fighting against the tyranny of Hitler and narcism it would have impared hypocritical for the government to force individuals to fight against their will this led to a more lenient and understanding approach towards those who objected on moral or religious grounds however despite the government's more accommodating stance public opinion was still divided and many conscientious objectors faced hostility some were verbally abused physically attacked or even lost their jobs due to their beliefs this hostility was partly due to the intense nationalistic and patriotic sentiments prevailing during the war where refusing to fight was often still viewed as unpatriotic by many in summary the military Service Act of 1916 introduced conscription for men aged 18 to 41 later extended to 51 with exemptions allowed for conscientious objectors on religious moral or political grounds conscientious objectors were either absolutists refusing all war participation or willing to serve in non-combatant roles tribunals assessed exemption requests but varied In fairness many faced imprisonment social stigma and were labeled cowardly receiving hate mail and white feathers as symbols of cowardice during the second World War the government offered Alternatives like agricultural or medical work for objectors with imprisonment as a last resort showing more leniency than in the first world war despite official tolerance propaganda pushed enlistment and groups like The Peace pledge Union face legal challenges public opinion was divided with some viewing objectors as unpatriotic case of Derek Bentley in this video we are looking at the details of the Derek Bentley case and the significance of the case for the abolition of the death penalty the Derek Bentley case is a significant part of British legal history involving the tragic events that led to the controversial execution of Derek Bentley in the early 1950s details of the case Derek Bentley was 18 years old when he was involved in an attempted burglary with his friend Christopher Craig who was 16 at the time the incident occurred in December 1952 although Bentley had learning difficulties and was assessed to have a mental age of about 10 he was still considered capable of participating in the crime during the burglary a police officer PC Sydney miles was tragically killed it was Christopher Craig who fired the gun but Derek Bentley was also held responsible the prosecution's case against Bentley was heavily influenced by his alleged shout of let him have it during the confrontation this phrase became a crucial point in the trial the prosecution argued that this statement was Bentley encouraging Craig to shoot the officer however the defense contended that the phrase could have been misunderstood and that Bentley might have meant for Craig to give the gun to the police not to shoot despite not having fired the weapon and surrendering himself to the police Bentley was prosecuted under the law of joint Enterprise which holds all participants liable if a crime like murder occurs during the trial Bentley's limited mental capacity and prior history and youth detention were discussed but the jury was not persuaded these factors cleared him of responsibility the jury found both Bentley and Craig guilty but recommended Mercy for Bentley acknowledging his role was not as direct as Craig's however the judge sentenced Derek Bentley to death by hanging because he was over 18 while Christopher Craig being a minor received a long prison sentence instead significance of the case the Derek Bentley case had a profound impact on the movement towards the abolition of the death penalty in Britain Bentley's case generated widespread public and political outcry over the use of capital punishment particularly in cases involving young defendants and those with mental disabilities there was significant public opposition to Bentley's death sentence on the night of his execution in 1953 about 5,000 people gathered outside Wandsworth prison to protest resulting in clashes with the police this public demonstration highlighted the growing discomfort with the death penalty among the British population moreover Bentley's family relentlessly campaigned for his sentence to be overturned and his case became a focal point in the National debate over judicial reforms their efforts continued long after his death and in 1993 Bentley was officially pardoned in 1998 his conviction was fully quashed acknowledging the miscarriage of justice that had occurred in response to Growing concerns about capital punishment significant legal changes were were made notably with the 1957 homicide act this act introduced the defense of diminished responsibility which acknowledges that a person's mental condition can impair their judgment and decision-making capacity thereby reducing their blame under this defense a murder charge could be reduced to manslaughter if it could be shown that the defendant had diminished responsibility at the time of the crime the ACT also considered cases where the defendant had been seriously abused by the person they murdered building on this momentum the death penalty for murder was suspended in 1965 and was permanently abolished in 1969 in summary in 1952 Derek Bentley and Christopher Craig attempted a burglary during which Craig shot and killed a police officer Bentley was convicted and sentenced to death under the law of joint Enterprise for encouraging the shoting with the phrase let him have it despite his limited mental capacity and not firing the gun his 1953 execution sparked widespread protests and increased opposition to the death penalty the case influenced the 1957 homicide act introducing diminished responsibility to reduce murder charges to manslaughter Bentley's case contributed to the abolition of the death penalty in Britain which was suspended in 1965 and abolished in 1969 he was pardoned in 1993 and his conviction was quashed in 1998 GCSE history topic five White Chapel the national context of policing in this video we are looking at the workings of the Metropolitan Police and the development of C Recruitment and the beat Constable the role of the Home Secretary and of Sir Charles Warren and public attitudes towards the police during the late 19th century policing in Britain was characterized by an assortment of local forces unlike today where policing is more centralized each area typically had its own police force managed by local watch committees these committees were responsible for overseeing the police operations within their areas the Metropolitan Police the Metropolitan Police which served London operated differently from other forces it was a notable exception because it did not report to a local Authority but directly to the Home Secretary the Home Secretary was responsible for appointing the head of the Metropolitan Police which gave the force a unique National significance despite its importance the Metropolitan Police faced significant challenges particularly regarding Manpower by 1885 the force had 13,38 officers enrolled to serve a population of just over 5 million people however due to various duties and shifts only about 1,383 officers were available for duty at any given time this lack of available Personnel often hampered the effectiveness of the police force in managing crime and maintaining order across the vast and bustling city of London the organization of the Metropolitan Police was also distinctive it was divided into 20 divisions each responsible for policing a specific District of London these divis iions were identified by letters of the alphabet which helped in administration and coordination within the force each division had its own police station personnel and was tasked with addressing the unique challenges and needs of its particular area this structure allowed for localized policing strategies but also posed challenges due to the varying levels of crime and social issues in different Districts The Limited number of officers on duty at any time further complicated these challenges making it difficult to effectively police the entire city recruitment in the late 19th century the quality of recruits in the metropolitan police was quite variable many joined the force out of necessity rather than a calling for law enforcement influenced by limited employment opportunities rather than a passion for policing as a result the effectiveness and reliability of these officers could vary significantly the beat Constable the role of the beat Constable was Central to policing during this period a beat Constable was assigned to patrol a specific area known as a beat his primary duties included maintaining order providing a visible police presence and deterring crime through regular patrols these constables were the backbone of the police force being the most immediate and visible form of police authority to the general public during night shifts be constables had additional responsibilities such as stopping and questioning people about their activities and destinations to prevent and detect crimes this kind of policing required constables to be vigilant and proactive but also demanded a great deal of tact and judgment to avoid infringing on the rights of people beat constables would occasionally meet with their beat sergeants to report and discuss incidents that occurred during their shifts these meetings were crucial as they helped in maintaining a record of events and provided a time to receive guidance and feedback each meeting and significant incident encountered during the patrol had to be recorded in the Constable's diary which was reviewed by superiors monitoring and supervision were carried out by sergeants who made sure that beat constables were diligent in their duties and Adar to the standards expected of them this system of oversight was necessary to ensure that despite the variable quality of the recruits the level of policing remained as consistent and effective as possible the development of C the criminal investigation department was established within the Metropolitan Police in 1878 marking a significant development in police procedures in Britain during the 19th century the formation of the C was a response to a growing need for specialized skills in investigating crimes which became evident following a series of public scandals and accusations of incompetence against the regular police force before the establishment of the C policing mainly involved uniformed officers patrolling and reacting to crimes however as crime became more complex and sophisticated became clear that a different approach was needed for investigating and solving crimes this led to the creation of the C initially composed of 216 detectives these detectives were tasked with a more Focus fed and strategic role in law enforcement primarily dealing with the investigation of serious crimes Gathering evidence and developing expertise in forensic methods the Home Secretary at the end of the 19th century the role of the Home Secretary in Britain was crucial in overseeing domestic affairs including the administration of the Metropolitan Police the Home Secretary was responsible for appointing the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police setting policies and ensuring ing that Law and Order were maintained across the capital Sir Charles Warren Sir Charles Warren was appointed by the Home Secretary in 1886 as the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police at a time of significant social unrest his appointment came in the context of widespread strikes and demonstrations against government policies which created a challenging environment for policing Warren who was a former General in the British army brought a military perspective to the role his background in the military influenced his approach to policing particularly in how he handled public order and riots Warren's time as commissioner is noted for its strict discipline and Military methods which were both praised and criticized public Attitudes by the end of the 19th century public attitudes towards the police in Britain were mixed initially with the establishment of organized police forces in the mid 19th century such as the Metropolitan Police in London there was a growing sense of respect for the police many people viewed them as reliable and helpful appreciating their role in maintaining order and safety however in the more deprived districts of London the perception of the police was less favorable in these areas the police were often seen in a negative light perceived as agents of the government rather than Protectors of the public this was partly due to the belief that the police acted as the government in uniform enforcing laws that seem to favor the upper and middle classes and displaying bias against the poor their reputation for heavy-handedness and violence only fueled this view one significant event that reinforced negative perceptions was the handling of the demonstration on Bloody Sunday in Trafalga Square this 1887 event was a protest against various government policies including those related to unemployment the police's harsh response to the rators seem to confirm suspicions that they prioritize the interests of the state and the wealthy over the needs and rights of the ordinary people this era also saw the publication of anti- police literature demonstrated by The Illustrated police news this publication was a type of Penny Dreadful a term used to describe cheap sensationalist newspapers aimed at the working class these papers often depicted the police in a negative light exaggerating stories to appeal to The thrill-seeking Taste Of Their audience in response to such portrayals and to improve their image police focused newspapers like the police review began to appear in the 1860s these Publications aimed to present the police's perspective and highlight the positive aspects of their work additionally there was a perception that the police were overly focused on enforcing a multitude of regulations which many Saw as irrelevant or less critical iCal compared to Serious crimes the Metropolitan Police were responsible for enforcing regulations covering a wide range of public issues from managing vagrancy and pubs to handling Street traffic Runaway Horses and fires this broad scope sometimes led to criticism that the police were spread too thin prioritizing regulatory enforcement over more serious crime fighting in summary policing in the late 19th century was decentralized with local forces is controlled by watch committees except for the Metropolitan Police which reported directly to the Home Secretary the Metropolitan Police struggled with Manpower shortages affecting their ability to effectively police London beat constables patrolled assigned areas maintained order and prevented crime though their work was often monotonous challenging and poorly paid the criminal investigation department or C was established in 1878 to spe specialize in solving serious crimes introducing detectives with investigative skills public opinions on the police were mixed with some seeing them as protectors While others viewed them as enforcers of government interests particularly in poorer areas the local context of White Chapel in this video we are looking at housing overcrowding employment and poverty changing patterns of migration the growth of socialism and anarchism and links between the environment and crime in the late 19th century White Chapel located in East London was one of the poorest areas in the capital it had a population of around 30,000 people with about 1,000 of them being homeless the community in White Chapel was diverse consisting of longtime London residents as well as newer arrivals including Irish and Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe housing and overcrowding White Chapel faced severe housing problems and overcrowding the majority of its residents lived in densely populated slum areas known as rookeries these were characterized by dilapidated buildings and narrow winding streets filled with dirt and grime contributing to rampant disease and crime sanitation in White Chapel was extremely poor with a significant lack of clean drinking water additionally the sewer systems were inadequate often sewers would overflow and run onto the streets exacerbating the already dire conditions pollution from local Industries further polluted the air and environment making living conditions harsh and unhealthy housing Within These slum areas was overwhelmingly overcrowded many houses were split into multiple small apartments each cramped with up to 30 people these living conditions were not only uncomfortable but also unsanitary leading to the spread of diseases for those who could not afford even these cramped Apartments lodging houses provided a temporary solution albeit in scalid conditions some lodging houses operated on a system where beds were rented out in shifts this meant that each bed could be used by different people for 8h hour shifts throughout the day and night allowing for maximum occupancy is estimated that there were over 200 lodging houses in White Chapel accommodating more than 8,000 people about a quarter of the district's population attempts to improve housing in 1875 parliament passed the Artisans dwellings act which was a key piece of legislation in a slum clearance program aimed at improving living conditions in the capital this act allowed local authorities to buy and demolish slums replacing them with better housing one of the most significant developments in White Chapel was the construction of the Peabody estate funded by George Peabody a wealthy American philanthropist the estate was designed by architect Henry darbishire the new housing project consisted of 11 blocks of flats was completed in 1881 it provided 286 Flats which offered a much higher standard of living compared to the typical overcrowded slums common in the area the Peabody estate was particularly not able for its affordable rents making it accessible to the working class and contributing positively to the community this development was part of an early movement towards social housing which sought to provide decent affordable housing as a foundation for improving overall Public Health and Social conditions in urban areas like White Chapel employment and poverty White Chapel was an area plagued by high levels of poverty and limited employ M opportunities many of the residents worked in what were known as sweated trades which included tailoring shoe making and matchmaking these jobs were typically performed in workshops or sweat shops which were notoriously small cramped and Dusty environments the conditions in these places were harsh with workers enduring long hours for very low wages contributing to the cycle of poverty in the area in addition to the sweated trades some residents of White Chapel found work in Railway construction or at the London docks however employment in these sectors was not stable or guaranteed jobs at the dock for example were often given out on a day-to-day basis meaning that even those who had work one day might find themselves without any the next this type of casual labor was insecure and did little to lift workers out poverty this situation was F F exacerbated in the 1870s by an economic depression that swept through Britain worsening the already high unemployment rates this economic downturn made it even harder for residents to find stable and well-paying jobs deepening the poverty in White Chapel and making daily survival a significant challenge for many of its inhabitants the combination of poor working conditions unstable employment and low wages left many residents living in dire circumstances struggling to make ends meet provision for the poor the provision for the poor in White Chapel like many other parts of Victorian Britain was primarily through workhouses these institutions were established earlier in the century managed by poor lore administrators the primary purpose of workhouses was to offer food and shelter to those who had no other means of support however the conditions Within These workhouses were deliberately harsh this was because the workhouse system was designed as a deterrent it was intended to be the last resort for those who could not support themselves inmates in the workhouses had to endure hard manual labor wear uniforms and follow strict rules families were often split up upon entering a workhouse and strict segregation was enforced between men women and children communication between family m members was typically forbidden with punishments in place for those who tried to talk to one another despite the Grim nature of the workhouse system there were efforts during this period to provide better alternatives for the needy particularly children one notable figure in this movement was Dr Thomas Bernardo who was deeply moved by the plight of the destitute children he saw in London in 1870 he opened an orphanage for boys followed later by a home for girls Dr bernardo's homes aimed to provide a more compassionate alternative to the workhouse offering shelter Education and Care in a more nurturing environment by 1905 Dr bernardo's initiative had grown significantly with nearly 100 homes established across the country these homes represented a significant shift in how Society approached the care of the vulnerable especially children unlike the workhouses Bernard homes aimed to rehabilitate and educate their residents equipping them with skills to help them lead independent lives in the future this approach was revolutionary at the time and marked an important step towards more Humane treatment of the impoverished and vulnerable populations in Britain changing patterns of migration towards the end of the 19th century White Chapel experienced significant changes in its demographic makeup due to migration the area became a hub for immigrants from Ireland and Eastern Europe particularly Jewish migrants each group influencing the local community in unique ways Irish immigrants migration from Ireland to White Chapel expanded rapidly from the 1840s driven by the Irish Potato Famine and economic hardships many Irish immigrants settled in areas close to the river temps and found work as navies to laborers on civil engineering projects such as Ro s Railways or canals or as Dockers handling the cargo at the 10's docks life for these immigrants was tough and violence among them was common particularly due to the harsh conditions and competition for jobs bans among the Irish immigrants were members of the phans an Irish nationalist group that organized attacks in London to back Irish independence from Britain this Association caused difficulties for many Irish people in White Chapel as they were often viewed with suspicion being perceived as potential phans or traitors this suspicion affected their integration and acceptance into the broader Community Eastern European Jewish immigrants in the 1880s another significant wave of migration occurred with Jewish immigrants arriving from Eastern Europe escaping pograms through violent riots aimed at the massacre or persecution of Jewish people and anti-Semitic persecution in Russia Poland and Germany many Jewish people found refuge in White Chapel By 1888 some areas of White Chapel were more than 95% Jewish creating tightly neit communities within the district however these Jewish communities often faced anti-Semitism and struggled with integration due to religious and cultural differences the Jewish immigrants typically settled together maintaining their customs and languages which marked the was distinct within White Chapel furthermore they were willing to work for very low wages which sometimes caused tensions with other local workers who felt this undercut their ability to negotiate better pay impact the influx of these diverse groups profoundly impacted White Chapel the area became a Melting Pot of cultures and ethnicities but this diversity also brought challenges economic competition cultural differences and ethnic tensions some times led to conflict and social segregation growth of socialism and anarchism at the end of the 19th century White Chapel became a focal point for the growing influence of socialism and anarchism reflecting broader political movements across Europe anarchism anarchism is a political ideology that calls for the abolition of all government and the organization of society on a voluntary Cooperative basis without the use of force or compulsion it grew significantly in Europe in the middle of the 19th century and many Anarchist leaders facing persecution in their home countries led to Britain seeking Refuge their presence contributed to the spread of anarchist ideas in places like White Chapel where economic hardship and social injustices made the area a breeding ground for radical ideologies in response to the perceived threat posed by these groups especially from Eastern European revolutionaries the British government's special Branch began to monitor their activities closely starting in 1893 socialism the growth of socialism was marked by the founding of the Social Democratic Federation in Britain in 1881 the SDF aimed to represent the interests of agricultural and Industrial laborers as well as promoting the rights of women the organization was committed to Bringing Down the capitalist system which they saw was exploitative and unjust socialists and White Chapel and Beyond were involved in various public demonstrations calling for workers rights and social reforms one of the most notable of these was the Trafalga Square demonstration of 1887 which led to the infamous Bloody Sunday this event was a pivotal moment as it highlighted the tensions between the working classes and the authorities and demonstrated the growing strength and organizational capability of socialist groups the presence of both anarchists and socialists in White Chapel contributed to the area's reputation as a center of radical political activity the ideologies appealed particularly to the poor and workingclass residents who experienced daily the Stark inequalities of Victorian society the environment and crime environment in White Chapel was closely linked to the high levels of crime in the area several factors contributed to this situation overcrowd Ing and poor housing these conditions were conducive to Crime as they fostered desperation and discontent among the residents the lack of space and privacy also made it easier for criminal activities to go unnoticed economic hardship the economic hardship LED some individuals to turn to Crime as a means of survival whether through theft prostitution or involvement in illegal trading poor sanitation and health these conditions led to frequent outbreaks of disease and contributed to General ill health among the population reducing their ability to work and increasing poverty poor health and Desperation can lead to higher crime rates as people struggle to cope with difficult circumstances high levels of immigrant population immigrant groups often fac discrimination and social exclusion which hindered their economic opportunities and integration into society this marginalization could contribute to higher crime rates as individuals outside the mainstream of society might find fewer legal opportunities available to them social disorganization the rapid industrialization and urbanization led to a breakdown of traditional Community structures White Chapel with its transient and diverse population lacked strong social cohesion which can often help regulate behavior and reduce crime in such an environment criminal behaviors can more easily take root and spread in summary White Chapel in the late 19th century was an impoverished area in East London with severe overcrowding and unsanitary living conditions housing was cramped with multiple families sharing tiny unhealthy spaces lodging houses often rented beds and shifts contributing to poor living standards efforts to improve housing included the Peabody estate providing affordable Flats with better living conditions employment opportunities were scarce with many residents working in low paid unstable jobs keeping them trapped in poverty migrants from Ireland and Eastern Europe settled in White Chapel adding to the area's cultural diversity but also leading to tensions over jobs and integration the poor conditions combined with the transient population contributed to high crime rates while socialist and Anarchist movements grew in response to economic and social injustices police ing White Chapel in this video we are looking at the organization of policing in White Chapel and the work of H division difficulties faced by the police and the nature of crime and disorder organization of policing policing in White Chapel was organized under the Metropolitan police's H division H division was managed by a superintendent who was in charge of the overall operations assisting the superintendent was a Chief Inspector who helped for the day-to-day management and strategic planning the division also included 27 inspectors and 37 sergeants these inspectors and sergeants played a crucial role in overseeing the activities of the division the sergeants directly supervising the Frontline police officers or constables in total there were about 500 constables under their command who carried out the bulk of the policing duties on the streets additionally H division was supported by 50 detectives from the criminal investigation department these detectives were responsible for handling more complex and serious criminal investigations bringing specialized skills that were not typically possessed by regular police constables difficulties faced the work of H division was extremely challenging many of the crimes in White Chapel were directly linked to the high levels of poverty and unemployment prevailing in the area these economic hardships often led to various forms of crime including theft public disorder and violence Additionally the area was marked by significant tensions among different nationalities which were particularly intense in common lodging houses where diverse groups of people lived in close quarters a key difficulty in policing White Chapel was its physical layout the district was filled with rookeries narrow alleys and small courts creating a mazike environment that was hard to navigate these areas were characterized by confined spaces poor lighting and multiple entrances and exits which provided numerous hiding spots and Escape Routes for criminals this complex Urban landscape made it difficult for the police to pursue suspects and effectively control the area the rookeries and Alleyways of White Chapel were not only difficult to patrol but also dangerous the fear of violent attacks on police officers was a significant CERN leading to some of the rougher areas being left without adequate police supervision this lack of presence allowed criminal activities to flourish unchecked in certain parts of White Chapel further complicating the efforts of H division to maintain Law and Order nature of crime and disorder White Chapel was afflicted by a variety of social problems that contributed to crime and disorder in the area key issues included prostitution for many women in White Chapel economic hardship made it difficult to find legitimate work leading some to term to prostitution or work in brothel although prostitution was not illegal it was widely viewed as a social problem by 1888 it was estimated that there are 62 brothel and about 1,200 prostitutes in the area public sympathy for these women was limited many did not understand the desperation that drove them into prostitution which exposed them to rape violence and unwanted pregnancies police attempts to regulate or control prostitution were often resented by the women involved as for many it was the only means of survival alcohol alcohol provided an escape for many from the harsh realities of their lives strong alcoholic drinks were affordable and readily available with pubs and gin houses found on nearly every corner in White Chapel however widespread drunkenness frequently escalated into violence and some individuals turned to Crime to fund the alcohol consumption the situation exacerbated the levels of disorder and criminality in the district protection rackets protection rackets were another significant issue in White Chapel these were often run by gangs including groups of immigrants who would demand protection money from small business owners if the business owners failed to pay their shops or Market stores would be attacked and vandalized these gangs also engaged in violent conflicts with each other contributing to the atmosphere of fear and instability in the area attacks on Jewish people there were also targeted attacks on Jewish people fueled by widespread anti-semitic attitudes and economic competition Jewish immigrants often fleeing persecution in Eastern Europe found themselves facing hostility and violence in White Chapel these attacks were part of broader xenophobic Trends and added to the social tensions within the community in summary H division part of the Metropolitan Police managed about 500 constables under a superintendent supported by inspectors sergeants and 15 detectives from the C policing White Chapel was difficult due to its complex layout of narrow alleys and rookeries which provided criminals with easy Escape Routes crime was driven by high poverty unemployment and social tensions between different nationalities living in crowded conditions social issues such as alcohol prostitution and protection rackets added to the difficulties of policing with many women turned into prostitution and widespread drunkenness leading to more violence gangs ran protection rackets forcing business owners to pay for protection or face violence while Jewish people faced attacks due to anti-semitic attitudes and xenophobia investigative policing in this video we are looking at the crimes of Jack the Ripper the police investigation and problems faced developments in techniques of detective investigation and the formation of the White Chapel vigilance committee the crimes of Jack the Ripper in 1888 a series of gruesome murders in White Chapel ripped the public and POS significant challenges to the police these crimes attributed to an unidentified as salent known as Jack the Ripper involved the brutal murders of at least five women the victims of Jack the Ripper included Maran Nichols Annie Chapman Elizabeth stride Katherine edos and Mary Jane Kelly these murders occurred between August and November of 1888 the killings were notably violent with the victims being not only murdered but mutilated the nature of the injuries the locations and the times which were late night to early morning led the police and experts to believe that they were committed by the same person the police investigation the investigation into these murders was led by inspector Frank Abaline along with his team from the criminal investigation department who assisted the uniformed officers of H division despite their efforts the police faced numerous obstacles first forensic science was in its infancy the concept of DNA evidence was non-existent and fingerprinting was not yet a recognized method of identification the police primarily relied on eyewitness accounts and basic forensic evidence which were insufficient to conclusively solve the cases moreover the overcrowded and labyrinthine nature of White Chapel with its Myriad of alleys and hiding spots made it extreme difficult for police to effectively Patrol the area and gather reliable evidence the lack of modern communication and data management also hindered the coordination of Investigation across multiple crime scenes techniques of Investigation during the Jack the Ripper investigation the Metropolitan Police used various investigative techniques many of which were Innovative for the time these methods reflect early developments in Detective work and forensic science techniques included sketches and photographs the police used sketches and photographs to document crime scenes and victims this was part of an evolving approach to collecting Visual Evidence which could be used to analyze crime and identify suspects based on physical traits interviews interviewing key Witnesses was crucial police would gather statements and try to piece together the events leading up to the crimes this helped help them understand the context of the murders and the behavior of the suspect following direct leads the police followed up on tips and leads provided by the public although the reliability of such information varied postmortem evidence autopsies provided crucial insights suggesting that the killer had some knowledge of human anatomy possibly indicating a background in medicine or Butchery for instance the nature of the cuts on the victims led to suggestions that the killer was left handed victims possessions detectives visited porn Brokers and Jewelers to trace items missing from the victims hoping these might lead to the murderer lunatic asylums given the brutal nature of the murders the police checked lunatic asylums for any recently escaped patients operating under the assumption that the perpetrator must be mentally deranged indirect leads from journalists the police also pursued leads generated by PR reports such as the claim about a local man nicknamed leather apron although this particular lead was quickly disproved it showed the police's willingness to explore various Avenues soup kitchens the police set up soup kitchens to encourage people from the community to come forward with information using food as an incentive for cooperation disguises there were reports of detectives disguising themselves including dressing as women to try to lure the suspect spec into a trap use of blood hounds the investigation saw one of the early uses of blood hounds to track the scent of the killer however this effort faced setbacks such as issues with cooperation and payment disputes with the owner of the dogs developments in techniques the berin system introduced a few years after the riper cases in 1894 this system used a combination of physical measurements photography and detailed recordkeeping to identify repeat offenders it marked a significant advance in forensic science and criminal record management improvements in communication although still lagging behind other forces the Metropolitan Police made some advances in communication Technologies such as using telephone lines and bicycles to enhance mobility and response times problems faced the need for cooperation between different different police forces in London specifically the Metropolitan Police the city of London Police and Scotland Yard presented several challenges these organizations often had overlapping jurisdictions and responsibilities which could lead to conflicts and difficulties in coordination one of the main problems was the Rivalry between these police forces each force was eager to solve cases independently to demonstrate their competence and Effectiveness sometimes at the expense of coroporation this rivalry was complicated by the fact that London was divided into different policing areas with the Metropolitan Police covering most of greater London while the city of London Police was responsible for the much smaller city of London area a clear instance of the issues caused by this lack of cooperation can be seen in the handling of evidence following the murder of Katherine edos one of Jack the Ripper's victims after her murder a piece of graffiti was found on a wall near the crime scene the message was controversial because it could potentially inflame public tensions the location of the graffiti fell within the city of London which had its own police force separate from the Metropolitan Police Sir Charles Warren the commissioner of the metropolitan police at the time ordered that the message be washed off before it could be photographed this decision was controversial and is believed to have been influenced by the jurisdictional boundaries and the Rivalry between the police forces Warren might have been concerned that preserving the message and allowing the city of London Police to investigate it could give them an advantage in capturing the murderer potentially allowing them to solve the case before the Metropolitan Police such rivalries and the associated actions often hindered the investigation the failure to photograph the graffiti before washing it away meant that a potentially crucial piece of evidence was lost the media reporting on the Jack the Ripper murders also significantly complicated the police investigation in in several ways influx of letters and false claims one major issue was the overwhelming number of letters and postcards sent to police and newspapers claiming to be from the murderer more than 300 such Communications received many under the name Jack the Ripper this flood of potential leads required police resources to verify each one consuming time and effort that could have been spent on more promising investigative Avenues most of these letter were later considered hoaxes but the police were obligated to investigate them as potential genuine Clues media criticism of police methods the Press was highly critical of the police's ability to catch the murderer particularly after the so-called double event where two victims were murdered on the same night the 30th of September newspapers frequently criticize the police for their perceived incompetence and ineffective methods which not only put additional pressure on the police but also damaged public confidence in the police force unreliable information and public Panic newspapers often publish guesswork and unreliable interviews with locals presenting them as facts this practice led to the spread of misinformation which the police had to spend time investigating following up on these unreliable leads diverted resources away for more fruitful investigative work furthermore such reporting fueled public panic and hysteria which made the environment even more tense and challenging for the police stereotyping and xenophobia the Press also played a role in shaping public perceptions of the suspect newspapers frequently portrayed the supposed murder as foreign often drawing on negative Jewish stereotypes this kind of sensationalist reporting not only stoked xenophobia but also led to wrongful suspicions and harassment of innocent people based on their ethnicity this bias in reporting distracted from the actual investigation and contributed to a climate of fear and mistrust within the community the White Chapel vigilance Committee in response to the Jack the Ripper murders the White Chapel vigilance committee was formed by a group of local businessmen and Traders their frustration with the inability of the police to catch the murderer LED them to take matters into their own hands the committee was established on the 10th of September 1888 admiss growing fear and anger over the ongoing killings in the area the members of the White Chapel vigilance committee were proactive in their approach to dealing with the threat posed by Jack the Ripper they organized their own reward system offering money and hopes of gathering information that would lead to the capture of the killer Additionally the committee members patrolled the streets of White Chapel during the night equipped with burning planks of wood to provide light whistles to sound alerts and wearing hob nail boots which were heavy and sturdy ideal for their nightly patrols while the formation of the White Chapel vigilance committee was a direct result of the community's desire to help and protect themselves their actions inadvertently had a negative impact on the official police investigation the nightly Patrols in the independent reward system although well-intentioned sometimes interfered with Police Operations the presence of these Vigilantes on the streets could have potentially disrupted police strategies to catch the killer such as surveillance of operations or the Gathering of evidence Additionally the activities of the committee could have led to confusion and mixed messages in the community about who was in charge of law enforcement thereby complicating the police's efforts to maintain order and gather reliable information in summary in 1888 Jack the Ripper brutally murdered at least five women in White Chapel creating public fear and challenging the police the police investigation led by inspector Abaline was hindered by the lack of modern forensic techniques like DNA and fingerprinting relying mostly on eyewitness accounts and basic forensics white Chapel's complex streets poor communication and rivalries between the Metropolitan Police city of London Police and Scotland Yard complicated the investigation media sensationalism and false claims overwhelmed police with hoaxers misled the public and fueled scen phobia adding pressure to the investigation the White Chapel vigilance committee formed by local businessmen offered rewards and patrolled the streets but their efforts sometimes interfered with official police work sources in this video we are looking at relevant national and local sources for inquiries into crime and policing in White Chapel and the strengths and weaknesses of different types of sources in the historic environment section of your exam you will need to work with two different sources you will be required to discuss and decide how useful each source is for understanding a specific aspect of the topic and pick out a particular detail in one of the sources to explore further each type of source has its own strengths and weaknesses knowing these can boost your confidence and help you effectively handle the sources during the exam it would also assist you in selecting the most relevant source for the follow-up question this video doesn't cover all possible sources you might see on your exam but it does include those mentioned in this specification this means these are the sources the exam board expects you to be familiar with sources can be National relating to the whole of Britain at the end of the 19th century or local originating from White Chapel National sources relevant National sources include National newspapers records of crimes and police investigations Old Bailey records of Trials and punch cartoons strength of national newspapers include providing reports on the conditions in White Chapel the actions of the police and detailed coverage of the Jack the Ripper murders newspapers also captured public feeling and the immediate reactions to unfolding events however weaknesses of national newspapers as sources include that the news articles may contain sens ISM especially in the coverage of high-profile crimes like the Jack the Ripper cases potentially distorting the facts to attract readership strengths of records of crimes and police investigations include that they offer official data and factual details about crimes in White Chapel including police responses and investigative steps taken during the Jack the Ripper investigations however these records may not fully disclose inefficiencies or failures in police procedures maintaining a more favorable image the strengths of Old Bailey records of Trials include that they provide exact legal documentation of Trials related to crimes in White Chapel offering insights into the legal outcomes and the judicial perspective on crimes and policing Effectiveness however they focus primarily on cases that went to trial and may not represent the broader range of criminal activity or police actions in the area that did not reach the courts strength of punch cartoons include that they reflect public opinion and criticism of the police during the White Chapel murder investigations capturing the satirical view of police effectiveness at the time however being primarily humorous these cartoons May exaggerate or distort reality to evoke laughter and boost magazine sales thus potentially misleading about the actual effectiveness of the police local sources relevant local sources include housing and employment records Council records and census returns Charles Booth survey and workhouse records strengths of Housing and employment records include that they provide specific details about living conditions and employment status in White Chapel illustrating the economic and social environment of the area however they may not fully capture the transient or undocumented segments of the population such as migrants and the homeless strengths of council records and sense returns include that they offer structured data on demographics housing density and sanitation giving a comprehensive overview of the population and urban conditions however data collection methods from that era may have limitations in accuracy in detail potentially admitting nuanced aspects of daily life Charles Booth survey provides an in-depth insight into the living standards and poverty levels across London including detailed maps and observations however potential weaknesses include that despite its thoroughness the survey might reflect the biases or interpretations of its collectors influencing the portrayal of white Chapel's conditions workhouse records contain valuable information on the socio economic conditions that led individuals to enter workhouses reflecting struggles faced by the poorest citizens however these records focus on the institutional aspect of poverty and may not provide a complete picture of the individual ual lives outside the workhouse additional local sources include local police records coroners reports photographs and London newspapers strengths of local police records include that they detail crime occurrences police operations and the administrative side of law enforcement in White Chapel however these records May under report crimes or not fully document the interactions between the community and the police strengths of coroners report include that they offer detailed examinations of deaths providing insights into violent crimes including the Jack the Ripper murders however Coroner's reports can be technically complex and may not always convey the broader social or environmental context of these incidents photographs visually document the scene of crimes such as Mary Kelly's murder showing both the environment and the extent of criminal acts however at this time photography was not regularly used in police investigations which could mean inconsistencies in how scenes were captured and used in analysis finally London newspapers providing immediate reactions and Reporting on local events capturing the Public's views and media portrayal of White Chapel however like National newspapers local papers may also sensationalize stories to attract readership especially in crime reporting ouch this is why in some videos I explain scratches [Music]