CRIME AND PUNISHMENT

 

We continue our series of Tales from Sir Dickon, a 14^th Century Knight of the Realm, magically transported to the 21^st Century to become a modern-day life coach.

I read on the internet that 18 months ago they changed the law in California, so theft of goods valued at less than $1,000 would be treated as a misdemeanour rather than a felony. (Unlike some things on this blog page, this shit is actually true). Consequently, incidents of shoplifting have shot through the roof.

Back in medieval times, crime levels were very low because there was an effective system of punishments. Sir Dickon explains;

Today the authorities go through a long, drawn-out process of taking people to court. A trial isn’t necessary if you have a confession. Criminals who were interviewed on the rack in the 14^th Century, provided a full signed confession in 100% of cases. The rack is a torture device which is designed to slowly winch a person’s arms out of the sockets.

Once they have confessed, medieval judges could sentence an offender a whole range a grisly punishments including:

- hanging

- beheading,

- being boiled alive,

- being burnt alive

and the classic…

- hung, drawn, and quartered

The reoffending rate in the 14^th Century was Nil.

I asked Sir D if he is aware of any punishments in the 21^st Century that might be considered even more terrifying than the middle ages. He informed me there is – free tickets to see Justin Bieber, not just one show – the whole damn tour!