Victorian Justice

By: Briana Hall

Justice RankingThe criminal’s social

ranking was incorporated in criminal charges.

Higher classes (wealthy) : their problems were seen as moral.

Lower classes (workers) : considered dangerous, disorderly, and always guilty.

CrimesThroughout the

Victorian Era, theft crimes were the most common.

Any reported theft crimes would be considered “lost property” with little importance.

“Garroting”, or street robberies, were considered serious crimes.

Crimes… con’t.Violent crimes such as murder, street robbery, and

sexual violence were highlights in newspapers.Domestic violence incidents at home were rarely

justified. Family’s reputation was considered instead of the crime.

The Judge Is Always Right

English courts were rude toward jury members, witnesses, and clients.

They were rarely given details about a crime.

If the jury disagreed with the judge, they would be bullied and disrespected.

The Judge… con’t.Clients were not given an attorney if they

could not afford one.The Judge held past crimes and character

against the client.

Court ConditionsCourtrooms were disorganized, unsanitary,

and had terrible ventilation.Courtrooms usually smelled like sewers.The court did not give out resources for

lawyers. They had to share supplies of towels, combs, and water.

PunishmentPunishments depended on the client’s social

status and the degree of the crime.Common crimes often resulted in hanging,

drowning, abuse, isolation, etc. Serious crimes resulted in hanging.

Punishment… con’t.Garroting resulted

in flogging and imprisonment.

Some prisoners were transported to Australia and left to die.

“Houses of Correction” were prisons that isolated prisoners with only a Bible. This usually resulted in mental disorders.

ImprisonmentPrisons were typically old, small, and badly-

run. Children were put together with adults in

degrading surroundings. Prisoners had to provide their own food and

had access to little water.

Imprisonment… con’t.Prisoners would pay the “Gaoler” for

punishment and food fees. If prisoners lacked money, they had to beg

citizens who were passing the prison. If they behaved well, the prisoners were

released early.

Work CitedAnderson, Jane. “Victorian Crime and

Punishment.” EEBN. 2006: 1-4. Print. Dickens, Charles. “Courtroom Experiences in

Victorian England.” The Victorian Web. 1996. Web. 11 Nov 2011. www.victorianweb.org

Emsley, Clive. “Crime and the Victorians.” BBC. 2002: 1-4. Print. 12 Nov 2011.

“Victorian London in Depth.” The Victorian London. June 2006. Web. 12 Nov 2011.

www.victorianlondom.html