Primary Source by Nicholas Terpstra Textbook Analysis Essay

Ultimately, there is a punishment to fit every crime-no matter the severity. The 13th century is an era of violent crimes in cities. An estimated 20 murders per 100 000 people is occurring. But in the 1500-1800s, drops to 6.7. The introduction of the criminal justice system, courts and policing, all have a positive effect on crime rate or a less violent environment (Lawrence, Crime and Punishment). In the Primary Source textbook by Nicholas Terpstra, we see crime deterrents created by countries. Executions in the Early Modern Period being a public affair by governments, want the people to discover what can happen to them if they commit a crime (Terpstra, pg. 161).  The Early Modern state uses judicial violence and public shaming to control crime in cities and will be discussed below.

Crimes and punishments can range from; ‘hanging, beheading and burning…according to the nature of the crime’ (Terpstra, pg. 161). ‘The Courts’ are the judicial system that determines the punishments and decisions of the crimes. It can range from stealing to murder (Lawrence, Crime and Punishment). The source; “The Theatre of Execution in Rome (1581)”, shows how the city of Rome designs public executions as deterrents. If the killer uses a knife, authorities cut off his hand and the criminal’s body would be displayed for all to see (Terpstra, pg. 174). The term ‘Gibbet’ means to take the body and hoist it up. This occurred all over Europe for the sole reason to display the body and give a strong message to the public- ‘follow the law’ or face the certain fate (Lawrence, Early Modern Quartering). The reading discusses how a criminal being ‘cut up in quarters’ causes the people to feel emotion, although not when the criminal is hanged. (Terpstra, pg. 174) Peoples emotion after executions, is an indicator that using guruism dismemberment and violence does get a reaction which can be strong enough to deter from committing a crime. Dismembering is degrading to the body and when people see this, it might make them think twice as on one wants their body on display in such a gruesome way. 

Heinous crimes have serious consequences as well. One example is the reading “Ritual Execution of An Alleged Rapist and Robber in Venice (1513)”. A rapist is to be hanged, then drawn and quartered, and finally, dragged by a horse. All the steps being put towards this body is also due to the type of crime committed – rape. It is a horrible crime and seems not taken lightly in Venice (Terpstra, pg. 175). People seeing what happens to a rapist’s body could get many on board to want him convicted the unmoral crime. The women who identifies the rapist takes him to custody states “Here you are, you murderer!” (Terpstra, pg. 175). This means that the women and possibly others, want to see him suffer punishments for his crime committed. 

During the Early Modern Period, the Spanish Inquisition is also taking place. This is introduced in 1478 in Spain. Spain wants people who are loyal to Spain, and making sure all are obedient to Catholicism. The main goal is to promote Catholicism and root out anyone who is against the religion and the Church, such as Jews or non-Catholics (Winks and Wandel, pg. 53). The Spanish Crown has help from Papal authorities to torture and use violence against anyone who seems to be a threat. Torture used as a ‘method of truth-finding’ (Winks and Wandel, pg. 157). This power that Spain has gives the public fear of being called a traitor. This creates fear mongering with the citizens of Spain and acts as a deterrent so the public will obey the Crown and the Church, as many do not want to be tortured. The reading; “Public Penance and Punishment in Spain – Heresy and Inquisition (1486)” gives evidence that public punishment and shaming are main ways that the Spanish Crown tries to deter crime (Terpstra, pg. 182). Although not traditional ‘crime’, not being a Catholic is a crime in Spain’s eyes. 750 ‘penitents’ will be executed and burned at the stake in a public ceremony for all to see (Terpstra, pg. 182). Even not being Catholic, will result in serious punishments. 

In conclusion, Early Modern public shaming and executions are quite common. Many use this form as a way to deter crime or have the masses follow one religion. Even horrible crimes such as rape have citizens wanting the culprit to face punishment.