Criminal Justice System In The 18th Century

The modern era marked a trifecta of social, economic and legal changes. Historically, Christianity was a major influence to the criminal justice system. However, beginning in the 17th century and extending as late as the 20th century the criminal justice system underwent major challenges that drove the system to transform, from an fickle and unprecedented legal code into an objective justice system. The social and economic changes that permeated throughout Europe, specifically London, England coincided with a rise in crime or a widespread belief of a perceived rise in crime. Industrialization changed the social and economic landscape of London and posed major obstacles for all classes, specifically the working class. Throughout Europe status and honourability dictated society. Although, many working class and …show more content…
Highwaymen were horseback-riding robbers. They were often well educated, skilled, and armed. The highwayman was a unique entity. Highway gentlemen concealed their faces with masks and primarily robbed only the affluent classes in society. Furthermore, highwaymen preyed on highway traffic in forested woodlands throughout London, England. The perceived threat of Highwaymen drove widespread social anxiety, and in response the death penalty, under the bloody code was deemed a just sentence for such a horrendous crime. Occasionally, the death penalty was perceived insufficient for the crimes of Highwaymen. Occasionally, severely inhumane reprimands were conducted, such as being hung until death by starvation. The emergence of the Highway Gentlemen was influential throughout the modern era, specifically in the 18th century. The Highway Gentleman challenged society’s social and legal attitudes towards crime; he symbolized a refined, charming, skilled, educated deviant who engaged in crime only out of necessity in times of extreme hardship and