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Explore the dynamics of murder trials in England from 1800-1830, revealing class disparities within the criminal justice system. Discover shocking statistics, police authority, prison conditions, and more.
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Murder Class Class and Murder Trials in England 1800-1830 Jim Hysell
Murder Trial Outcomes • From 1800 to 1830 there were 241 murder trials at the Old Bailey. • 36 returned a guilty verdict, 68 part guilty (manslaughter), 14 special rulings (insanity), 123 not guilty.
Police • The police, prior to 1829, were appointed by the Lord Mayor of London or the Alderman whose ward they were working in. • Their pay was also determined by these upper class officials.
Murder Trials • Most convicted killers live in one room apartments. • The defendants usually were of the working class or lower, and could even be foreign.
From 1800-1830 not a single member of the upper classes was a defendant in a case involving violent crime.
Prison • Newgate prison was at double compacity in 1819. • Rooms 38’ x 15’ would contain up to 70 prisoners. • Cells for the condemned were 9’ x 7’ and contained 3 prisoners.
The criminal justice system was controlled by, and was used to protect the upper classes from ending up in Newgate. • In many ways the criminal justice system was used to enforce the concept of a criminal class.