Here are some key aspects of the attitude towards criminals in Victorian England:
1. Transportation and Penal Colonies: One of the most common forms of punishment during the Victorian era was transportation to penal colonies. Convicts were often sentenced to be sent to far-flung locations, such as Australia, where they would serve their sentence and be forced to work in harsh conditions. Transportation was seen as a way to remove criminals from society and deter others from committing crimes.
2. Workhouses: Workhouses played a significant role in the Victorian criminal justice system. These institutions housed individuals deemed "undeserving poor," including those convicted of petty offenses such as vagrancy, drunkenness, and unemployment. Workhouses were notorious for their harsh conditions and strict rules, aiming to instill discipline and deter people from relying on public assistance.
3. Public Executions: Public executions were a common spectacle during the Victorian era and served as a form of deterrence and public entertainment. Large crowds would gather to witness these events, which were often seen as a cautionary tale against criminal behavior. However, public executions also drew criticism from some who argued that they encouraged violence and degraded human dignity.
4. Capital Punishment: The use of capital punishment was extensive during the Victorian period. A wide range of crimes, including theft, forgery, and even minor offenses, were punishable by death. However, there was gradual public opposition to the excessive use of capital punishment, and its application became more limited towards the end of the 19th century.
5. Police Reforms: The Victorian era witnessed significant reforms in the policing system, particularly with the establishment of the Metropolitan Police in London in 1829. The introduction of professional police forces aimed to improve law enforcement and reduce crime rates. However, police methods were often criticized for their harsh and heavy-handed approach, which sometimes resulted in violence against civilians.
6. Penitentiaries and Prisons: In addition to transportation and workhouses, prisons played a crucial role in the Victorian criminal justice system. Prisons were designed to provide punishment, deter crime, and rehabilitate offenders. The idea of separate confinement was introduced to prevent the spread of criminal influence among inmates. However, prison conditions were often overcrowded and unsanitary, leading to high mortality rates.
Overall, the attitude towards criminals in Victorian England was characterized by a focus on deterrence, harsh punishments, and a strong belief in the importance of upholding social order. While there were efforts to reform the criminal justice system, it took time for progressive ideas and more humane approaches to take hold and replace the prevailing punitive attitudes of the era.