Sut,—The implication behind the demand for corporal punishment is that
its abolition caused the increase in violent crime. But at a time when violent crime is indeed increasing alarmingly, it is remarkable that the offences which used to be floggable have, if anything, decreased. Here are the figures : Cases of previously floggable crimes of violence known to the police.
Before abolition of After abolition of corporal punishmerit corporal punishment .
(1st six months)
As to the general effect of corporal punishment, the Departmental Committee which was set up to consider the experience of nearly seventy years' use of this penalty came to the unanimous conclusion . that it was of no special significance as a deterrent. It seems, how- ever, that arguments about corporal punishment, are more productive of heat than light. A more constructive approach might be to find out more about these hitherto inexplicable waves of quite abnormally aggressive behaviour. This may help us to prevent their recurrence, as well as perhaps to indicate how to deal with the offenders if they do occur. For, in truth, 1 do not think anyone does know how to deal with them yet. The opponents of corporal punishment merely say that flogging does not 'do the trick. Society can be protected by imposing long sentences of imprisonment. But how can a pattern of violence be changed once it has become established ?
There are some, as yet only slight, indications that corporal punish- ment could become a party issue. It is to be hoped that the signs are being read wrongly. It would be a sad reflection on our institutions if such matters, which lie at the very root of human behaviour and require careful and unbiased examination, could be reduced to the level of political expediency.—I am, Sir, yours faithfully, 1946 ... 804 1950 812 1947 ... 842 1951. ... 613
1952 ... 359
HUGH J. KLARE.
The Howard 'League for Penal Reform. (Secretary.)
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