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'There was little change in the punishments used in the period 1250–1750.' How far do you agree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer. - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 4
'There was little change in the punishments used in the period 1250–1750.' How far do you agree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:'There was little change in the punishments used in the period 1250–1750.' How far do you agree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer. - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Assess the Statement: 'There was little change in the punishments used in the period 1250–1750.'
Answer
To evaluate the accuracy of the statement, it's important to first identify the punishments prevalent in both the early and late periods specified.
Between 1250 and 1500, punishments were primarily corporal, such as whipping, mutilation, and executions, especially for serious crimes. The criminal justice system was heavily influenced by local customs and laws.
In contrast, from 1500 to 1750, while corporal punishment remained common, there was a notable increase in the use of incarceration, with prisons becoming more common as a means of punishment. There was also a gradual shift towards a more systematic legal approach.
Step 2
Identify Specific Changes in Punishments
Answer
During the period of 1250-1750, certain changes in punishments can be documented:
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Introduction of Incarceration: The emergence of prisons as a method of punishment gained traction in the 16th century. This marked a shift from solely corporal and capital punishments to longer-term confinement.
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Legal Reforms: The rise of statutory law in the late medieval and early modern periods led to a more standardized approach to justice, affecting the nature of punishments.
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Public Perception and Execution Practices: Public executions remained a spectacle, but the rationale behind them evolved with growing public concern over the morality and effectiveness of such punishments.
Step 3
Evaluate the Impact of These Changes
Answer
The introduction of new forms of punishment like imprisonment and legal reforms indicated that punishments were evolving, suggesting a significant change rather than little change. Additionally, societal attitudes towards punishment and crime began to shift, placing a greater emphasis on deterrence and rehabilitation rather than mere retribution.
Step 4
Conclusion
Answer
In conclusion, while some forms of punishment remained consistent, the changes in legal practices, the introduction of incarceration, and shifts in societal perspectives illustrate that there was indeed more change in the punishment landscape during 1250-1750 than the statement suggests. Thus, I largely disagree with the claim, based on the evidence of evolving practices during the period.