Judicial Punishment Stories

In recent years, some judges have gained notoriety for moving away from traditional incarceration, particularly for first-time or younger offenders.

Perhaps one of the most ironic of the 17th century involves Matthew Hopkins, England’s self-appointed “Witchfinder General.” Between 1644 and 1646, Hopkins was responsible for the deaths of over 300 women. His method? Sleep deprivation and “swimming” (tying the accused to a chair and throwing them in a river). judicial punishment stories