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Crime and Law in Early Modern England

Key information

  • Module code:

    5AAH1027

  • Level:

    5

  • Semester:

      Spring

  • Credit value:

    15

Module description

Legal narratives have provided cultural and social historians with some of their best evidence and their most tantalising stories: marriages breaking down, neighbours arguing, stolen purses and alehouse fights. Law was at the heart of the early modern state: it was also at the heart of social relationships. In communities, villages and towns a complex system of overlapping jurisdictions enabled people to use the law to defend themselves, to inform on each other and to mediate disputes. At its blunt end they found themselves the victims of shaming punishments or public executions. This course examines the peculiar nature of early modern English crime, law and punishment through its recent historiography, testing arguments about social control, the use of evidence, levels of violence, and changing patterns of crime. From the level of state-building down to the pettiest transgressions, we will see the law in action and follow the people in court.

Assessment details

1 x 1,500 word formative essay, 1 x 3,000 word essay (100%)

Teaching pattern

10 x 2 hour seminars (weekly)

Subject areas

Department

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.