Crime and punishment, c.1250 to the present day

From the medieval period to the present day, the nature and extent of crime, the enforcement of law and order, and society's punishment of offenders has changed. Various factors have influenced why different aspects of crime and punishment have changed or stayed the same.

Medieval law enforcement involved the whole community and was affected by the way society was organised. Punishments were harsh but reflected what people believed at the time. By c.1500, life had changed and new crimes had started to emerge.

Early modern Britain saw significant changes in the nature of crime and punishment. As trade grew so did organised crime. The influence of Puritanism meant many moral crimes were punished. Hundreds of people - mainly women - were executed for witchcraft. Society's approach to law enforcement and punishment was influenced by many medieval practices.

Britain saw rapid social, political and technological changes in the industrial period. These changes had a large impact on the causes of crime and the types of crime committed. There were also big changes in policing and punishments.

Britain experienced further social, scientific and political developments after 1900. New crimes have emerged, methods of law enforcement have evolved and more liberal views mean that punishments have changed significantly.

Since c.1250, Britain has experienced significant changes in crime and punishment. Developments in the types of crime committed, in law enforcement, and in how crimes are punished have occurred. Common themes can be compared across time periods and reasons for change or continuity can be examined.