Crime & Punishment - 08 Bloody Code

Summary

The Bloody Code was a period in England (1688-1830) characterized by harsh punishments, where over 200 crimes were punishable by death, including minor offenses like poaching or forgery. Driven by fear of crime, societal fears, and the need to protect property, the government implemented severe laws to maintain control. The role of technology, public attitudes, and poverty played significant roles in shaping this era. By the 1830s, however, the harsh penalties began to fade as prisons were reformed and alternative punishments, such as transportation, became more common, marking the end of the Bloody Code.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Bloody Code was a period in English history from 1688 to 1830, characterized by severe punishments for crimes, including capital punishment for over 200 offenses.
• 😀 In 1688, around 50 crimes were punishable by death; by 1815, that number increased to about 225 crimes, including offenses like poaching, counterfeiting, and even trivial theft.
• 😀 The government passed harsh laws due to widespread fear of crime and criminals as a threat to society, often exaggerated by the circulation of pamphlets and broadsheets.
• 😀 Growing towns, a mobile population, and better transportation contributed to the perception that crime was on the rise, making it harder to police small communities effectively.
• 😀 Wealthy landowners, who viewed the poor as a threat to their property, were instrumental in advocating for harsh punishments, particularly for crimes that endangered property or wealth.
• 😀 Public attitudes toward crime and punishment during this period were shaped by the belief that harsh punishments, even for minor offenses like poaching or swearing, would deter criminal activity.
• 😀 Punishments included execution, pillory, fines, whipping, and 'house of correction' sentences, with some criminals being transported to colonies as an alternative to execution.
• 😀 Transportation was a major alternative to the death penalty; between 1660 and 1868, criminals were sent to America (before the revolution) and then to Australia.
• 😀 The Bloody Code began to decline in the 19th century due to the growing use of prisons and changing public attitudes toward punishment, leading to a decline in support for capital punishment.
• 😀 By the 1830s, the Bloody Code ended, and the government focused on building new prisons with reform-based systems like the separate and silent system to rehabilitate offenders.
• 😀 Ultimately, the Bloody Code was a reflection of societal fears, a desire to protect wealth and property, and prevailing attitudes that favored severe punishment to maintain order.

Q & A

What is the Bloody Code and when did it begin?

The Bloody Code refers to a period of harsh punishments and capital punishment in England for a wide range of crimes. It began around 1688 and continued until about 1830.

What was the peak of the Bloody Code in terms of the number of crimes punishable by death?

The Bloody Code reached its peak around 1815, with approximately 225 crimes carrying the death penalty.

Which crimes were punishable by death under the Bloody Code?

Crimes punishable by death included serious offenses like treason and murder, but also lesser crimes such as poaching, counterfeiting money, forgery, and even going out in disguise.

Why did the government enforce such harsh punishments during the Bloody Code period?

The government feared crime and criminals as a threat to society. They also aimed to protect the property of the wealthy, who viewed the poor as a threat to their wealth and wanted to maintain social order.

How did the media contribute to the perception of crime during this period?

Pamphlets, broadsheets, and newspapers began circulating stories about crimes across England, creating the perception that crime was on the rise. This widespread reporting of crime contributed to public fear.

What role did poverty and migration play in the rise of crime during this period?

Poverty, along with increased migration and urbanization, led to overcrowded towns and a growing population. This made it harder to police areas and contributed to the perception that crime was more widespread.

What was the government's primary concern in passing such harsh laws?

The government and wealthy landowners were primarily concerned with protecting their property and wealth, leading to laws that disproportionately targeted crimes against property and social order.

What were some of the alternative punishments to the death penalty during the Bloody Code era?

Alternative punishments included the pillory (public humiliation), fines for minor offenses, whipping, sending offenders to houses of correction (like Bridewells), and transportation to colonies such as America and later Australia.

Why did the Bloody Code eventually end?

The Bloody Code ended due to a combination of factors, including the increasing use of prisons and a shift in attitudes toward punishment. By the 1830s, public opinion began to turn against capital punishment for many crimes.

What changes occurred in prison reform after the Bloody Code?

In the mid-19th century, new prison systems were established with a focus on reform, such as the separate and silent system, where prisoners were isolated and encouraged to reflect on their crimes.