An Enquiry into the Causes of the Frequent Executions at Tyburn (1725)
An Enquiry into the Causes of the Frequent Executions at Tyburn (1725)
History - British, Law & Criminology
An Enquiry into the Causes of the Frequent Executions at Tyburn, published in 1725 by Bernard Mandeville, is a critical examination of the high rate of executions in London. Mandeville questions the effectiveness of capital punishment as a deterrent to crime and critiques societal attitudes toward criminals. He highlights systemic issues in the legal practices that lead to harsh penalties for minor offenses, advocating for reforms in the criminal justice system. The pamphlet provides a vivid portrayal of execution day and reflects on the indifference of society towards the condemned.
