Crime and Law in Early Modern England - Politics, Religion, and Society under the Tudors and Stuarts

Explore crime and law enforcement in early modern England through this 47-minute lecture from Yale University's course on Tudor and Stuart society. Examine the prevalence of violent and property crimes, regional variations in criminal activity, and the justice system's approach to prosecution and punishment. Analyze the peak in criminal cases during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, and consider the balance between harsh penalties and discretionary mercy in the legal system. Investigate theories on the use of exemplary punishment as a deterrent and evaluate its effectiveness in maintaining social order. Gain insights into how crime and law shaped politics, religion, and society in this pivotal period of English history.