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14 Dec 2025

81

3 pages

The History of Crime and Punishment Explained

user profile picture

Kayla Lovell @aylaovell_yatxffvsug

Ever wonder why some actions are considered crimes whilst others aren't? Crime and punishment have evolved dramatically over... Show more

Crimes and punishment...
Types of crime !!
crimes against the person - These are crimes.
that inflict harm on a person.
crimes against prope

Types of Crime and Basic Concepts

Understanding crime is simpler than you might think - there are just three main categories you need to know. Crimes against the person involve physically harming someone, like assault or murder. Crimes against property are theft-related offences where no violence is threatened, such as burglary or shoplifting.

The third type, crimes against authority, includes actions that challenge the government or leaders, like treason or rebellion. These categories have remained fairly consistent throughout history, though new crimes emerge with technological advances.

Punishment developed as societies grew more complex. The main goal shifted from simple revenge to making criminals reconsider their actions and follow the law in future. Think of it as society's way of saying "don't do that again."

Quick Tip Remember the three types by thinking PAP - Person, Authority, Property!

Crimes and punishment...
Types of crime !!
crimes against the person - These are crimes.
that inflict harm on a person.
crimes against prope

Law Enforcement Evolution

Law enforcement has transformed from community-based systems to today's professional police force. Originally, local communities handled crime through tithings (groups of ten households) and the hue and cry system, where everyone was expected to chase criminals and raise the alarm.

Over time, the King and government gradually took more control. This shift created the centralised and specialised police force we know today, with trained officers, proper equipment, and organised procedures.

The biggest changes have occurred in law enforcement and punishment methods, whilst crime types have shown remarkable continuity. However, attitudes have shifted significantly - from focusing on deterrence (scaring people away from crime) to rehabilitation (helping criminals change their behaviour).

Technology continues driving change, creating new types of crimes that didn't exist centuries ago, like cybercrime and identity theft.

Remember Law enforcement went from "everyone's responsibility" to "government's responsibility" over 1,000 years.

Crimes and punishment...
Types of crime !!
crimes against the person - These are crimes.
that inflict harm on a person.
crimes against prope

Key Historical Terms

Mastering these terms will help you analyse any historical period with confidence. Change simply means something is different from before, whilst continuity means it stayed the same - these are your basic building blocks for historical analysis.

Progress indicates positive improvement (things getting better), whereas regression means negative change (things getting worse). Don't assume all change equals progress - sometimes societies move backwards.

Rate of change describes speed - was it slow, rapid, or stagnant? A trend shows the general direction of development, whilst a turning point marks when significant change occurs.

Factors are the driving forces behind change or continuity. Key factors throughout history include the church, government, influential individuals, and scientific advances. Understanding these helps explain why changes happened when they did.

Study Hack Use these terms in every history essay to show sophisticated understanding and boost your marks!

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

History

81

14 Dec 2025

3 pages

The History of Crime and Punishment Explained

user profile picture

Kayla Lovell

@aylaovell_yatxffvsug

Ever wonder why some actions are considered crimes whilst others aren't? Crime and punishment have evolved dramatically over the past 1,000 years, shaped by changing attitudes, technology, and government control.

Crimes and punishment...
Types of crime !!
crimes against the person - These are crimes.
that inflict harm on a person.
crimes against prope

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Types of Crime and Basic Concepts

Understanding crime is simpler than you might think - there are just three main categories you need to know. Crimes against the person involve physically harming someone, like assault or murder. Crimes against property are theft-related offences where no violence is threatened, such as burglary or shoplifting.

The third type, crimes against authority, includes actions that challenge the government or leaders, like treason or rebellion. These categories have remained fairly consistent throughout history, though new crimes emerge with technological advances.

Punishment developed as societies grew more complex. The main goal shifted from simple revenge to making criminals reconsider their actions and follow the law in future. Think of it as society's way of saying "don't do that again."

Quick Tip: Remember the three types by thinking PAP - Person, Authority, Property!

Crimes and punishment...
Types of crime !!
crimes against the person - These are crimes.
that inflict harm on a person.
crimes against prope

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Law Enforcement Evolution

Law enforcement has transformed from community-based systems to today's professional police force. Originally, local communities handled crime through tithings (groups of ten households) and the hue and cry system, where everyone was expected to chase criminals and raise the alarm.

Over time, the King and government gradually took more control. This shift created the centralised and specialised police force we know today, with trained officers, proper equipment, and organised procedures.

The biggest changes have occurred in law enforcement and punishment methods, whilst crime types have shown remarkable continuity. However, attitudes have shifted significantly - from focusing on deterrence (scaring people away from crime) to rehabilitation (helping criminals change their behaviour).

Technology continues driving change, creating new types of crimes that didn't exist centuries ago, like cybercrime and identity theft.

Remember: Law enforcement went from "everyone's responsibility" to "government's responsibility" over 1,000 years.

Crimes and punishment...
Types of crime !!
crimes against the person - These are crimes.
that inflict harm on a person.
crimes against prope

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Key Historical Terms

Mastering these terms will help you analyse any historical period with confidence. Change simply means something is different from before, whilst continuity means it stayed the same - these are your basic building blocks for historical analysis.

Progress indicates positive improvement (things getting better), whereas regression means negative change (things getting worse). Don't assume all change equals progress - sometimes societies move backwards.

Rate of change describes speed - was it slow, rapid, or stagnant? A trend shows the general direction of development, whilst a turning point marks when significant change occurs.

Factors are the driving forces behind change or continuity. Key factors throughout history include the church, government, influential individuals, and scientific advances. Understanding these helps explain why changes happened when they did.

Study Hack: Use these terms in every history essay to show sophisticated understanding and boost your marks!

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

2

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Most popular content: Medieval Law Enforcement

Most popular content in History

Most popular content

English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user