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Significance & Factors in the Case of Derek Bentley

History
GCSE / Year 10 / Grade 8
7 questions
~14 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

This worksheet explores the factors that contributed to the significance of Derek Bentley's case, encouraging students to categorize, rank, and justify the importance of various influences.

Topics covered:

#History
#History
#Modern Crime
#Standard
#Significance & Factors
#Derek Bentley
#Identify different factors influencing Derek Bentley's case
#Compare the significance of political, social, economic, and religious factors
#Explain how these factors contributed to public perception and legal outcomes

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Full preview • 7 questions

Significance & Factors in the Case of Derek Bentley

Subject: HistoryGrade: GCSE / Year 10 / Grade 8
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade GCSE / Year 10 / Grade 8
A

Introduction to Derek Bentley's Case

Source A: Summary of Derek Bentley's case

Derek Bentley was executed in 1953 after being convicted of murder for encouraging a robbery that resulted in death. The case became highly controversial, raising questions about justice, innocence, and the influence of social and political factors.

Provenance: Historical summary from a criminal justice archive.

1.
Categorize the main factors that influenced public opinion and the outcome of Derek Bentley's case. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Compare the significance of social and political factors in shaping the case's outcome. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
B

Political Factors

Source B: Government statements on crime in the 1950s

The government emphasized strict law enforcement to deter crime, often supporting harsh sentences.

Provenance: Official government publication, 1950s.

1.
Outline how political attitudes in the 1950s influenced the case of Derek Bentley. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
C

Social Factors

Source C: Public opinion article

Many in the working-class community believed Bentley was innocent and unfairly accused, but others demanded justice for the victim.

Provenance: Newspaper article, 1953.

1.
Explain how social attitudes impacted the case of Derek Bentley. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
D

Economic Factors

Source D: Economic report on legal aid

Limited resources for legal defense in the 1950s meant many accused lacked effective representation.

Provenance: Government economic review, 1950s.

1.
Analyse how economic factors may have contributed to the outcome of Bentley’s case. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
E

Religious and Moral Factors

Source E: Religious commentary on justice

Many religious groups believed that justice should be tempered with mercy, opposing the death penalty.

Provenance: Religious publication, 1950s.

1.
Compare the influence of religious views and moral considerations on public opinion about Bentley’s case. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
F

Ranking and Justification

Choose what you believe was the most significant factor influencing the case of Derek Bentley. Justify your choice with evidence from the sources and your knowledge.

1.
Which factor do you think was MORE significant: social bias or political pressure? Explain your reasoning. (6 marks)
[6 marks]

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Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet
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