Great Britain is an important country in the world. Everyone knows it and has already heard about it. But it has a very extensive history, which is not acquainted to everybody. In this work I can not explain the entire historical development of Great Britain, I have to restrict it to the history of death penalty, but there will be some connections to historical events.
Today, the death penalty is no longer practiced in Great Britain. But in former times it was usual that the death was set to a normal punishment for different kinds of crime. Until the 1950s it was a tradition to kill the law-breakers. The peak of the death penalty in Great Britain was the 18th century. At this time, there were over 200 offenses which were punishable by death. Often the judge decided if the offender is guilty or not. Since 1861 the offenses were limited to slayer, high treason, piracy and arson. Additional since 1868 the executions were no longer for public. A commission, which was selected by the government, wrote a report about the pro and contra of the death penalty. Because of this report, death penalty was now only punished for a heavier murder, for example when a police officer was killed in service.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Death penalty in GB
- History
- “The Tower of London”
- Death penalty in the USA
- History
- Individuality of the different states
- Different types of death penalty
- Listing and explanation
- Conclusion and epilogue
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This research paper aims to provide an overview of the history and practice of the death penalty in Great Britain and the United States. It explores the historical development of the death penalty in both countries, highlighting key milestones and changes in legislation. The paper also delves into the specific practices and methods of execution, including the electric chair, lethal injection, gas chamber, and hanging.
- Historical development of the death penalty in Great Britain and the USA
- Key milestones and changes in legislation
- The significance of “The Tower of London” in the context of the death penalty in Great Britain
- Variations in death penalty laws and practices across different states in the USA
- Different methods of execution
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The first chapter delves into the history of the death penalty in Great Britain, tracing its evolution from a common form of punishment to its eventual abolition. It highlights key turning points in the legislative process, including the narrowing of offenses punishable by death and the shift towards private executions. The chapter also explores the historical significance of “The Tower of London”, exploring its role as a prison and execution site for prominent individuals.
The second chapter examines the history of the death penalty in the United States, highlighting its strong roots in British colonial practices. It explores the changing public attitude towards capital punishment, particularly the emergence of a growing movement against it during the 20th century. The chapter also details the landmark Furman v. Georgia case and its impact on the legality of the death penalty in the US. The chapter also explores the differences in death penalty laws and practices between the various US states, detailing the states that have abolished the death penalty, those that still retain it, and those that have a unique legislative situation.
The third chapter provides a comprehensive overview of different methods of execution that were historically used in Great Britain and the United States. It details the process and history of each method, such as electrocution, lethal injection, the gas chamber, and hanging.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This research paper focuses on the historical development, legislative changes, and contemporary practices of the death penalty in Great Britain and the United States. Key themes include legal abolition, historical significance of places such as “The Tower of London”, public attitudes towards capital punishment, the Furman v. Georgia case, and the variations in death penalty laws between states. The paper also explores the various methods of execution, such as electrocution, lethal injection, the gas chamber, and hanging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the peak period of the death penalty in Great Britain?
The peak of the death penalty in Great Britain was in the 18th century, when over 200 offenses were punishable by death.
How did the list of capital offenses change in 1861 in Great Britain?
In 1861, the number of offenses punishable by death was significantly limited to murder (slayer), high treason, piracy, and arson.
What is the significance of the "Tower of London" in this context?
The Tower of London historically served as a prominent prison and execution site for high-profile individuals in British history.
What was the impact of the Furman v. Georgia case in the USA?
The Furman v. Georgia case was a landmark legal decision that significantly impacted the legality and application of the death penalty across the United States.
Which methods of execution are discussed in the paper?
The paper covers various methods including the electric chair (electrocution), lethal injection, the gas chamber, and hanging.
Are executions still public in Great Britain?
No, since 1868, executions in Great Britain were no longer held in public before the death penalty was eventually abolished.
- Quote paper
- Jacob Deger (Author), 2013, Death Penalty in GB and the USA, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/284999
