Victorian Crime and Punishment - Courts, police and prisons (308)

 Family History Skills & Strategies (Intermediate) Distance Learning Course 

Court records can provide a fascinating glimpse into the criminal lives our ancestors but crime is not the only topic covered in this course. There are records of juries, witnesses, licences for gamekeepers and pedlars plus records from the High Courts & Chancery where families squabble over inheritances and property. We also examine records of the new police force and the management of prisons.

This course presents the background and the records, includes illustrations and case studies, and sets forth the best research methods, online and in archives. If your family tree lacks privileged ancestors it may have other well-documented ancestors - those who made their way into records of crime and punishment.

• * The 19th Century Legal System
• * Local Court Records
• * The High Court and Civil Litigation
• * From Parish Constable to Police Constable
• * Prisons and Punishment

Each lesson includes exercises and activities; a minimum of 1 one-hour chat session per week. See How the Courses Work.

STUDENTS SAID: "I learned a tremendous amount about crime and punishment but also was given many ideas for taking that further."

"I enjoyed all of it, particularly history of the police and the punishment lessons. When it came to the case study assignment it enabled pulling together all skills learned to the present and good practice at further investigation work."

Relevant Countries: England and Wales