Evangelicalism, Penal Theory and the Politics

Following the abolition of the British slave trade in 1807, a group of politicians began to agitate for reform of England's "bloody code" of criminal statutes. Exploring the politics and propaganda of criminal law reform from 1808 to the Whig succession to power in 1830, this study demonstrates how Evangelicalism provided an unexpected foundation for utilitarian as well as religious advocates for penal reforms in an era when conservative leaders resisted every attempt to change the laws.

Richard R. Follett is Professor of History, University College and Washington University.

List of Abbreviations

vii

Preface and Acknowledgements

viii

Mitigating the `Bloody Code': an Introduction

1

(20)

Of the myth of Bentham and the language of Blackstone

4

(6)

Of crime, criminal justice and the claims of humanitarian reform

10

(4)

Of Evangelicals and their impact

14

(7)

Raising the Hue and Cry, 1808-10

21

(25)

Getting started

23

(9)

Lines are drawn

32

(12)

The meaning of the debates in 1808 and 1810

44

(2)

Romilly, Bentham, and Utility

46

(21)

Romilly's background and early writings

46

(11)

Romilly and Bentham: independent minds in a common cause

57

(10)

Evangelicalism and Penal Law Reform

67

(23)

Evangelical theology and public life

68

(12)

Evangelicals and penal theory: the demands of justice and mercy

80

(10)

The Evangelical Approach to Criminal Law Reform

90

(19)

Wilberforce: moral reform to criminal law reform

91

(8)

Buxton: the growth of commitment

99

(6)

Criminal law reform and the middle class reform complex

105

(4)

The Conservative Resistance

109

(16)

William Paley and the conservative defense of the law

110

(2)

The certainty and the flexibility of the established law

112

(5)

The fear of innovation

117

(3)

A closer look at Eldon and Ellenborough

120

(3)

Conclusion

123

(2)

Mobilizing Opinion, 1811-18

125

(22)

Parliamentary moves, 1811-18

126

(7)

The campaign beyond Westminster

133

(12)

The promises of 1818

145

(2)

The Partnership: Mackintosh and Buxton, 1819-22

147

(24)

Tragedy and new leadership

147

(3)

Petitions for change

150

(4)

The flow of politics

154

(6)

The Report of the 1819 Committee

160

(5)

The politics of implementation

165

(6)

Consolidation, Mitigation and Conclusions

171

(17)

Peel takes charge

171

(3)

Peel's limits and the demand to go beyond

174

(9)

Evangelicalism and the politics of criminal law reform

183

(5)

Notes

188

(27)

Bibliography

215

(11)

Index

226

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Evangelicalism, Penal Theory and the Politics of Criminal Law Reform in England,

Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials

FREE SHIPPING

Rent More, Save More! Use code: BBRENTAL

5% off 1 book, 7% off 2 books, 10% off 3+ books

Evangelicalism, Penal Theory and the Politics of Criminal Law Reform in England,

Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials

Digital License