Understanding the Bloody Code in Early Modern Crime
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This worksheet focuses on analyzing a primary source related to the Bloody Code, encouraging students to interpret the content, provenance, and reliability of historical sources.
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Understanding the Bloody Code in Early Modern Crime
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Source Analysis: The Bloody Code
Source A: The Bloody Code
"In the 17th and 18th centuries, England's legal system was filled with numerous crimes punishable by death. Many minor offences, such as stealing cattle or cutting down a tree, could result in the death penalty. This harsh system was called the 'Bloody Code' because of the high number of executions it produced. The purpose was to deter crime and strengthen social order, though critics argued it was too severe and often unjust. The government believed that harsh punishments would prevent disorder, but many believed it was excessive and cruel. Over time, some laws were reformed, reducing the number of capital offences, but the Bloody Code remained a significant part of early modern justice."* Provenance: Historical report, 1800s, secondary source analyzing early modern justice system.
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- Created
- 1/1/2026
- Updated
- 1/1/2026
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