While doing web research on a name engraved on a watch (Joseph Pugh) I came upon this bit of English judicial history, which made me reflect on crime & punishment in 1819 vs. now.

"Trial Worcester Assizes..24 July, 1819... place..Worcestershire..

Verdict? Guilty: To be hanged
Thomas Wood ... for break.g and enter.g the dw.ghouse of Joseph Pugh in the day time (no person being therein) and steal.g a watch
val: 30 shillings and other property.

This description of Thomas Wood exists.

occup..moulder founder in iron foundry..age
20..ht. 5'3"..complx florid..hair dk brown..eyes hazel..tl."

NOTE: old-style abbreviation is used here, so break.g = breaking, steal.g = stealing, and dw.ghouse = dwellinghouse.

In 1819, England was still under the draconial Criminal Code, which prescribed hanging for really minor offenses, like stealing things of considerably less value than a watch worth 30 shillings.

Ed, Very interesting. Maybe that kind of punishment used in the US today would eliminate our need to carry theft insurance on our watches.

Tom

The punishment might fit the crime, but first the law enforcement folks have to catch the thieves and their success rate isn't that good.