What evidence tell us that some punishments were very cruel? - Presentation

Exploring the history of 'crime and punishment' reveals a stark evolution in how societies have dealt with offenders. Evidence of the cruelty of historical punishments can be found in the types of instruments used to enforce them. Teachers guiding this unit will encourage pupils to delve into the past, examining various punishment instruments and considering the changes in the justice system over time. By comparing the past to the present, students will gain an understanding of the disciplinary knowledge related to crime and punishment.

Public hangings and torture were not just methods of punishment but also events that drew crowds, highlighting the social attitudes towards justice in those times. Students are tasked with researching different types of punishment instruments from history, going beyond the initial examples provided. Through this research, they will discover how the severity and public nature of punishments reflect the values and norms of different historical periods. The aim is for pupils to critically assess the progression of punitive measures and summarise how perceptions and implementations of punishment have transformed through the ages.