18th and 19th Century Developments
The 18th and 19th centuries witnessed significant changes in crime and punishment, with a gradual shift towards more organized law enforcement and evolving punishment methods.
Town constables and night watchmen emerged as early forms of professional law enforcement, overseeing local areas and patrolling at night.
Vocabulary: Night Watchmen worked under the town constable, patrolling local areas between 10 pm and dawn.
This period saw the rise of specific crimes like highway robbery and smuggling, reflecting the economic and social conditions of the time.
The concept of martyrdom gained prominence, particularly in cases of religious or political persecution.
Definition: A martyr is a person who suffers for their beliefs and is often admired for their conviction.
Prison conditions became a focus of reform, with the introduction of concepts like hard labour and attempts at rehabilitation.
Example: The treadwheel was an example of hard, often inhumane work used in prisons during this period.
Significant developments in law enforcement occurred, notably the establishment of the metropolitan police by Robert Peel in 1829.
Highlight: Robert Peel, who served as Prime Minister twice, is credited with setting up the metropolitan police in 1829, marking a major step in modern policing.
Social issues like poor relief and public health conditions (sanitation) began to be recognized as factors influencing crime and social order.
