Historical Justice: Crime and Punishment in Early Modern London

Delving into the past reveals the fascinating and often grim reality of how society maintained order centuries ago. This course invites you to explore the legal systems, crimes, and punishments of early modern London and the Home Counties. You will trace the evolution of laws and judicial practices while uncovering the deeply personal stories of ordinary citizens caught in the gears of historical justice. By reading primary source transcriptions and exploring how historians use modern digital archives, you will develop a foundational understanding of social history and legal evolution. What you'll learn: - Understand the structure of the early modern English court system and local jurisdictions. - Analyze the types of crimes prosecuted, from petty theft to capital offenses. - Explore the range of historical punishments, including public shaming, transportation, and execution. - Uncover real human stories through written transcriptions of court records and depositions. - Apply basic digital humanities concepts to search and interpret online historical databases. The course begins with essential historical terminology and an introduction to the social structure of early modern England, before guiding you through specific legal cases, trial procedures, and the social impact of policing. This course is designed entirely for beginners, history enthusiasts, and curious readers, requiring no prior knowledge of legal history or archival research. Begin your journey into the legal landscape of early modern London today.