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.
Table of Contents
1. Death penalty in GB
1.1 History
1.2 “The Tower of London”
2. Death penalty in the USA
2.1 History
2.2 Individuality of the different states
3. Different types of death penalty
3.1 Listing and explanation
4. Conclusion and epilogue
Objectives and Topics
The objective of this research paper is to provide an analytical overview of the death penalty's historical development and current status in both Great Britain and the United States, while examining the various methods used for executions.
- Historical evolution of capital punishment in Great Britain.
- The role of the Tower of London as a historical prison site.
- The complex landscape of capital punishment laws across different US states.
- Technological and procedural methods of execution in the USA and UK.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 History
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.
In 1965 the Law Murder Act was passed, which suspended the death penalty for murder for the next five years. In 1969, that a year before the deadline, it was decided to extend the law indefinitely. After that, a death sentence was only possible for high treason or piracy, but it was never enforced. In December 1999, the United Kingdom ratified the “Second Optional Protocol” to the international covenant on civil and political rights, which finally stipulates the abolition of this law.
Summary of Chapters
1. Death penalty in GB: This chapter outlines the historical decline of capital punishment in Britain, from its peak in the 18th century to its final abolition.
1.1 History: Details the legislative shifts and milestones that moved Britain from widespread executions to a complete ban.
1.2 “The Tower of London”: Provides a historical account of the Tower of London's function as a fortress, prison, and place of execution over the centuries.
2. Death penalty in the USA: Examines the legacy of capital punishment in the United States, influenced by British colonial origins and evolving legal standards.
2.1 History: Tracks the timeline of executions in the USA and the significant impact of the 1972 Supreme Court case Furman v. Georgia.
2.2 Individuality of the different states: Explores the regional differences in American death penalty laws and the current distribution of abolitionist versus practicing states.
3. Different types of death penalty: Categorizes and explains the primary methods used to carry out the death penalty historically and in modern times.
3.1 Listing and explanation: Provides a breakdown of mechanisms like the electric chair, lethal injection, gas chamber, and hanging.
4. Conclusion and epilogue: Synthesizes the author's reflections on the ethical dilemma posed by capital punishment and the diverse global approaches to the issue.
Keywords
Death penalty, Great Britain, USA, capital punishment, execution, Tower of London, law, history, Furman v. Georgia, electric chair, lethal injection, gas chamber, abolition, human rights, justice system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this research paper?
The work provides a comparative study of the death penalty, focusing on its historical context, legislative changes, and application in Great Britain and the United States.
What are the main thematic areas covered?
The main themes include the history of capital punishment, the legal evolution in both nations, the regional disparity in the USA, and a technical look at various execution methods.
What is the central research question?
The work explores how capital punishment has evolved over time and how different legal frameworks and ethical views influence its existence in Britain and the US.
Which scientific approach is utilized?
The author uses a descriptive historical and comparative research approach, drawing on legal milestones, historical events, and statistical data.
What aspects are addressed in the main body of the text?
The main body covers the transition from public executions to abolition in Britain, the specific role of the Tower of London, the historical path of executions in the US, and technical details on methods like lethal injection and the electric chair.
Which keywords characterize the work?
The work is defined by terms such as capital punishment, execution, legal history, human rights, and comparative justice systems.
What is the significance of the Tower of London in this study?
The Tower serves as a concrete case study for the historical use of capital punishment, illustrating its long-standing role as a prison for prominent political figures.
How does the author view the death penalty in the conclusion?
The author reflects on it as a "double-edged sword," acknowledging the arguments for retribution while highlighting the lack of opportunity for offender rehabilitation.
Does the paper differentiate between US states?
Yes, the paper explicitly lists states that maintain the death penalty versus those that have abolished it, highlighting the significant regional differences across the country.
What information is provided about the methods of execution?
The paper describes the history and procedural mechanism of the electric chair, lethal injection, gas chamber, and hanging.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Jacob Deger (Autor:in), 2013, Death Penalty in GB and the USA, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/284999
