Law And Order In London - (Jack The Ripper Essay)

Many substantial developments and improvements in connection to law and order were introduced throughout London, during the late 19th century. The multiple changes resulted in an increase in organisation and a much more effective and efficient law system. Numerous factors including the development and expansion of the police force, the reinforcement of the legal system, the rehabitaton of criminals and other numerous factors, all contributed to this major change.

Although there was a variation of crimes committed in London at this time, 75% of recorded crime throughout London in the 19th century was petty theft. Alternatively, only 10% of recorded crimes were actually violent. During this time, middle-class Londoners were encouraged to believe that violent crimes and murder was on the increase, however, this was not necessarily true, as the rapid improvements in communication and transport, created a new development of national newspapers. Consequently, serious crimes could easily be reported all over the country.

Although an excessive amount of crimes were committed on a daily basis throughout London, the majority were only small and not very serious mat

Whilst the system of policing in London changed dramatically during the 19th century, some elements of English law and order remained the same. The British system of trails and the role of the Justice of the Peace were one of the few areas of law enforcement that did not change greatly. In London, most court cases were heard at the Old Bailey, particularly the crimes of murder and treason.

Cases were extremely disorganised, lasting only for minutes, during which, the jury did not leave the court, but instead huddled in a group in order to decide the fate of the accused. Most of the time, the whole court could hear their discussions. This was not a good system as criminals could identify anyone who found them guilty. The judges on the court cases also had very limited choices when it came to punishments during the 19th century.

Furthermore, many people did not take criminals to court as this antiquated system requited the victim to pay the court case and unlike today, there was no legal aid to help poorer people.

Also, by the late 19th century, punishment in Britain altered, as people began to believe that a criminal should be reformed, rather than tortured. The emphasis changed from humiliation and pain, to rehabilitation, but no real changes occurred until 1900.

Some topics in this essay:
, Justice Peace, Police Force, Gradually Londoners, London Public, Industrial Revolution, 19th century, police force, throughout london, late 19th century, crimes committed, metropolitan police, late 19th, crimes murder, police forces, crime throughout, crime throughout london, metropolitan police force, expansion police force, public execution,