Shakespeare A to Z | Crime and Punishment
Many of the same crimes that disrupt modern societies—such as theft, arson, and murder—existed during Shakespeare’s time. However, the Elizabethan criminal justice system differed greatly from most present-day judicial systems. Penalties were far more severe than they are today because most Elizabethans believed that England was a lawless and dangerous place.
TREASON. Elizabethan law established three main categories of crimes— treason, felonies, and misdemeanors. Treason was considered by far the worst offense of the three. Two distinct types of treason existed under...
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