Capital punishment in the United Kingdom

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Capital punishment in the United Kingdom refers to the legal process whereby a person is put to death by the state as a punishment for a crime. The practice has a long history in the UK, but it was abolished in the 20th century.

History

Early History

Capital punishment has been a part of the British legal system since ancient times. During the Anglo-Saxon period, various methods of execution were used, including hanging, beheading, and burning at the stake.

Medieval Period

In the medieval period, the use of capital punishment was widespread. Crimes such as treason, murder, and theft could result in the death penalty. The Bloody Code of the 17th and 18th centuries saw an increase in the number of capital offenses, with over 200 crimes punishable by death.

19th Century Reforms

The 19th century saw significant reforms in the use of capital punishment. The Judgement of Death Act 1823 allowed judges to commute death sentences for all crimes except treason and murder. The Capital Punishment Amendment Act 1868 ended public executions, and the Homicide Act 1957 restricted the death penalty to certain types of murder.

Abolition

The movement to abolish capital punishment gained momentum in the 20th century. The Murder (Abolition of Death Penalty) Act 1965 suspended the death penalty for murder in England, Scotland, and Wales, and it was made permanent in 1969. In Northern Ireland, the death penalty for murder was abolished in 1973. The Human Rights Act 1998 and the European Convention on Human Rights further solidified the abolition of capital punishment in the UK.

Methods of Execution

Various methods of execution were used in the UK, including:

• Hanging
• Beheading
• Burning at the stake
• Drawing and quartering

Notable Cases

Several notable cases of capital punishment in the UK include:

• Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be executed in the UK in 1955.
• Derek Bentley, whose controversial execution in 1953 led to public outcry and calls for abolition.

Public Opinion

Public opinion on capital punishment has varied over time. While there was significant support for the death penalty in the early 20th century, attitudes shifted towards abolition in the latter half of the century.

Related Pages

• Judgement of Death Act 1823
• Capital Punishment Amendment Act 1868
• Murder (Abolition of Death Penalty) Act 1965
• Homicide Act 1957
• Human Rights Act 1998
• European Convention on Human Rights
• Ruth Ellis
• Derek Bentley

See Also

• History of the United Kingdom
• Legal history of England and Wales
• Human rights in the United Kingdom