Crime and Punishment GCSE History Quiz

Trial by ordeal involved physical tests, such as carrying a hot iron, to determine guilt or innocence. It reflected the belief that God would intervene to show who was innocent, as He would protect the innocent and punish the guilty.

JPs were responsible for maintaining law and order in their local areas. They dealt with minor crimes, oversaw the implementation of laws, and organised the parish constables.

Transportation was introduced as an alternative to the death penalty for less serious crimes. It removed criminals from society while contributing to the colonisation of Australia. It deterred crime initially but later became less effective.

Hulks were old ships used as temporary prisons when overcrowding in traditional prisons became an issue. They housed convicts awaiting transportation or those serving short-term sentences.

Poaching involved illegally hunting animals on land owned by someone else. It was considered a crime because it violated property laws, but it was also a form of social protest by poorer people against wealthy landowners who enclosed common land.

The case of Derek Bentley highlighted the unfairness of the death penalty. Bentley, who had learning difficulties, was sentenced to death despite not firing the fatal shot. Public outcry over his execution helped drive the movement to abolish capital punishment.

In the 16th century, belief in witchcraft was widespread, influenced by religious fears of the Devil. The Church and governments supported witch trials and executions as a way to enforce moral behaviour. By the 18th century, these attitudes changed as science and reason became more influential. People began to question the existence of witches, and trials became less common. Governments also shifted focus to crimes seen as a greater threat, such as smuggling and theft, leading to the decline of witchcraft accusations.