SOC212H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Industrial Revolution, Middle Ages, Shoplifting
Document Summary
Prior to 18th c, there were also lots of speculation about crime from plato and. Most speculations based on religious beliefs and superstition. Imagery linking sings to people who have been possessed by evil spirits. It also resulted in the middle ages in many really draconian punishments. Very gruesome during this time in history, not only were torture common (and public executions), there was also systematic hunts for witches horribly tortured after being charged with witchcraft. Over the next 200 years europe changed dramatically (industrial revolution, changes in economy, changes in social life, enlightenment period) Enlightenment thinkers believed that people were rational human beings. And believed in the social contract (give up some for safety) If you commit a crime, i don"t want you any longer to take out the guy, but it"s a violation of the king"s peace. That"s why prosecutors in us are called the crown" (they"re viewed as responsible for taking on the case of the victim)