Retribution and deterrence from the 19th to the 21st centuries
In the 19th century, the desire for criminals to suffer began to be replaced with the belief that punishment should help criminals to move away from a life of crime. However, the idea of using harsh punishments to persuade people not to commit crimes continued throughout much of the 20th century.
19th century
During the 19th century, attitudes towards punishment began to change. There was an increasing use of prisons and a greater belief in reformTo make changes to something or someone, for improvement. prisoners. The ideas of retribution and revenge became less important in punishments.
In 1823 the Home Secretary, Sir Robert Peel, abolished the death penalty for over 180 crimes. Further laws in 1832 and 1861 reduced the number of capital crimeA crime which carries the possibility of a death sentence. to just five:
- murder
- treasonThe crime of betraying one's country, sovereign or government.
- piracy with violence
- espionageThe act of spying or using spies to gather information.
- burning down a weapons store or a navy dockyard
This shows several developments in attitudes to punishment:
- a movement away from harsh physical and capital punishment
- a movement towards the idea of fitting punishments to the seriousness of the crime
- a realisation of the need for practicality, so courts would follow the law
20th and 21st centuries
In the 21st century, punishments are still aimed at deterring criminals, but not through pain, humiliation or death. Loss of liberty through prison, fines and community service is now the main type of punishment.
Modern attitudes towards punishment focus on reformTo make changes to something or someone, for improvement. and rehabilitationThe process of educating and restoring an offender back towards being a non-offending member of society. prisoners. The aim is to prevent reoffending.