... we employ now. Accordingly, the sixteenth century to the early eighteenth century, the system of punishment worked in a far different fashion from that of today. It was based not only on deterrence, but a retributive justice, the purpose of which is not to change the offender's behaviour or attitudes, but rather to "seek vengeance upon a blame-worthy person because they have committed a wrongful act"2 which is referred to as the notion 'life for a life' by Biblical supporters of retribution Although this was claimed to serve as an effective deterrent on society3, this approach could not have deterred all potential offenders, especially young offenders, as the percentage of criminals under 21 was 90% and as young as ten years of age, particularly during the eighteenth century4. It must be emphasised that it is less likely that offenders under 21 years of age would rationally weigh out the consequences ...

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