Kung-fu JeSuS's definitions
In the years after 1660 the number of offences carrying the death penalty increased enormously, from about 50, to 160 by 1750 and to 288 by 1815. You could be hanged for stealing goods worth 5 shillings (25p), stealing from a shipwreck, pilfering from a Naval Dockyard, damaging Westminster Bridge, impersonating a Chelsea Pensioner or cutting down a young tree. This series of laws was called (later) "The Bloody Code."
Why was the Bloody Code passed? After the turmoil of the 17th century, the landowning class emerged as supreme rulers of Britain. They based their power on property-ownership, and saw the law's main purpose as protecting property. They were ruling a country of 6.5 million, most of whom had no political rights whatsoever. The crime rate was not high, actually, (see Gallery Crime 1450-1700), but they feared that it was, as towns grew in size and the old village community crumbled. There was also no police force (see Gallery Crime Prevention 1450-1700). The Bloody Code was therefore a threat: severe retribution would happen to those thinking of breaking the law by infringing property rights.
A great deal was made of hangings. They were held in public and thousands turned out to watch, especially in London, at Tyburn (see Tyburn Jig). The intention was clearly to act as a deterrent to others to observe the laws -or else.
Yet, in fact, fewer people were hanged under the Bloody Code than before it. Numbers of people hanged per year in London and Devon:
Early 17th century Early 18th century
London 150 20
Devon 25 3
Offenders escaped the noose at many points: sometimes the charge was reduced to below capital levels (this could go to ridiculous lengths, as in the charge "Stole £5 value 10 pence"). Juries were reluctant to find people guilty. Judges let offenders off and offenders sometimes agreed to join the army or navy instead. As a last resort, petitions for mercy were often answered. The system therefore held the death threat in readiness, but could show mercy: either way, power of life or death lay with the powerful.
Why was the Bloody Code passed? After the turmoil of the 17th century, the landowning class emerged as supreme rulers of Britain. They based their power on property-ownership, and saw the law's main purpose as protecting property. They were ruling a country of 6.5 million, most of whom had no political rights whatsoever. The crime rate was not high, actually, (see Gallery Crime 1450-1700), but they feared that it was, as towns grew in size and the old village community crumbled. There was also no police force (see Gallery Crime Prevention 1450-1700). The Bloody Code was therefore a threat: severe retribution would happen to those thinking of breaking the law by infringing property rights.
A great deal was made of hangings. They were held in public and thousands turned out to watch, especially in London, at Tyburn (see Tyburn Jig). The intention was clearly to act as a deterrent to others to observe the laws -or else.
Yet, in fact, fewer people were hanged under the Bloody Code than before it. Numbers of people hanged per year in London and Devon:
Early 17th century Early 18th century
London 150 20
Devon 25 3
Offenders escaped the noose at many points: sometimes the charge was reduced to below capital levels (this could go to ridiculous lengths, as in the charge "Stole £5 value 10 pence"). Juries were reluctant to find people guilty. Judges let offenders off and offenders sometimes agreed to join the army or navy instead. As a last resort, petitions for mercy were often answered. The system therefore held the death threat in readiness, but could show mercy: either way, power of life or death lay with the powerful.
by Kung-Fu Jesus April 30, 2004
Get the Bloody Codemug. A: My glasses are smashed! I can't go to work because I cannot see!
B: You can see close up, can't you, four-eyes?
A: Well, yes, but...
B: OK slacker, BACK TO WORK!
B: You can see close up, can't you, four-eyes?
A: Well, yes, but...
B: OK slacker, BACK TO WORK!
by Kung-Fu Jesus May 6, 2004
Get the the show must go onmug. by Kung-Fu Jesus May 16, 2004
Get the glory boymug. by Kung-Fu Jesus April 29, 2004
Get the I will bury youmug. (n.) A large bear fur hat worn by 19th century Russians, now associated with the British Amry regiments on show at London.
(n.) A vagina resembling a busby.
(n.) A vagina resembling a busby.
by Kung-Fu Jesus May 14, 2004
Get the busbymug. (adv.) killing by forcefully putting someone on thier knees, standing behind them and slitting thier throat from left to right (if right handed)/firing two quick shots into the back of thier head.
by Kung-Fu Jesus May 5, 2004
Get the execution stylemug. (v.) To exploit loopholes that allow for one's accounts to show less profits than actually exist, but allow for the figures to be changed for shareholder reports. Shows incorrect figures presented in a way that are unlikely to be questioned.
Claiming that six vans @ thirty grand each were bought for the business, when in actual fact the money went to a comapny located in switzerland owned by the board of directors, and the vans were toys costing next to nothing. The money (180,000 in your chosen currency) has gone to the directors as undeclared salary that is stored offshore.
by Kung-Fu Jesus July 22, 2004
Get the cook the booksmug.