How far did attitudes to capital punishment change c.1250–present?

Question (10 marks): "Attitudes towards capital punishment changed dramatically between c.1250 and the present day." How far do you agree? Explain your answer.

Mark scheme (AO1/AO2, 10 marks): Level 4 (9–10): sustained judgement on continuity AND change with precise dates/cases. Level 3 (6–8): explained both sides. Level 2 (3–5): description. Change: medieval/early-modern hanging was public spectacle and routine (Bloody Code peaked c.1815, c.222 capital offences); 1808 Romilly began repeal of capital statutes; public hanging abolished 1868 (moved inside prisons); Murder Act 1965 suspended death penalty after the wrongful executions of Timothy Evans (1950) and Derek Bentley (1953, pardoned 1998), and the controversial hanging of Ruth Ellis (1955); abolition confirmed 1969; UK ratified Protocol 13 ECHR 2003 banning the death penalty in all circumstances. Continuity: hanging remained the standard punishment for murder for over 700 years (c.1250–1965); public support for restoration persisted (polls in the 1980s); treason carried the death penalty until 1998. Judgement: change was real but slow and resisted; the 1950s miscarriages were the decisive turning point.