A reinterpretation of criminal law reform in nineteenth century England

This study challenges the traditional idealistic interpretation that the movement for reforming the criminal law in early nineteenth century England was generated by the enlightened doctrines of Jeremy Bentham. Historical evidence is presented that suggests that even without Bentham a new penal policy would have emerged. Parliament mitigated the severity of the criminal law largely in response to the business community, which demanded more swiftness and certainty in the conviction of property offenders.