This book, covering the seventh to the twentieth centuries, illustrates that many present-day punishments have roots in the distant past. The author establishes that since criminal law and punishments were considered to be instruments of power, legitimacy and social control by the governing class, politics have played an essential element in this history. The author, however, points out that punishment also plays an important, and more visible, role in safeguarding security and order for the community. The acceptance by the State of the institutionalization of crime in society means that this latter function is to some extent undermined so far as some members of the public are concerned, in particular victims and those who perceive themselves to be potential victims of criminal activity. This, however, is marginal in the sense that no general breakdown of the rule of law is likely. In both of these aforementioned aspects, punishment fulfills a political function that is an integral role in modern society. A bibliography, detailed index, and listing of cases cited are included.