In common law there was originally little distinction between children and adults when it came to crime - the age of criminal responsibility was just seven years! Although matters improved during the nineteenth century, the treatment and punishment handed out to children in civil and criminal cases would still be unthinkable today.
Punishment for theft, caging wild birds and begging are just a few of the stories relating to children that can be found in
'Tales From Four Towns'. and, for a truly fascinating look at crime and punishment in the Victorian era, take a look at
Victorian Crime & Punishment.
No comments:
Post a Comment