What do we learn about life during different periods by considering how people were punished? - Worksheet - Year 5

This Year 5 worksheet prompts students to delve into the historical context of 'crime and punishment' by researching various instruments of punishment used in bygone eras. The assignment encourages children to go beyond the examples provided and explore at least five additional punishment tools. This investigation serves as a means to understand societal norms and values during different historical periods, as the nature of punishment can reflect the contemporary attitudes towards justice, order, and morality.

By examining the evolution of 'crime and punishment', students can gain insights into how legal systems and societal expectations have transformed over time. The worksheet asks pupils to consider the severity of punishments and what this reveals about the past. Students are also tasked with finding evidence to support the notion that some historical punishments were particularly harsh. Through this exploration, they can develop a deeper understanding of the progression of human rights and the legal system, comparing past practices with modern-day approaches to crime and justice.