What evidence tells us that some punishments were very cruel? - Teacher's notes

The historical exploration of punishment methods reveals a stark contrast between past and present justice systems. Evidence of the severity of historical punishments is found in the study of various instruments used for penalisation. Teachers are encouraged to guide pupils through an examination of these artefacts, prompting discussions on the evolution of societal views on justice. Comparing the public and often brutal nature of historical punishments, such as hangings and torture, with contemporary practices highlights the transformation. The popularity and public spectacle of hangings in the past serve as a testament to the cruelty of some punishments.

Students are tasked with researching historical punishment methods to gain a deeper understanding of the subject. Through research, they can draw comparisons between the punitive measures of the past and the more regulated and humane approaches used today. This investigation into the past enables students to critically assess and summarise their perspectives on the progression of punishment through the ages. The evidence of past cruelties is not only found in the physical instruments of punishment but also in the societal acceptance and participation in these public spectacles of suffering, underscoring the significant changes in crime and punishment over time.