An Enquiry into the Causes of the Frequent Executions at Tyburn (1725)

by Bernard Mandeville

"An Enquiry into the Causes of the Frequent Executions at Tyburn" by Bernard Mandeville is a critical pamphlet written in the early 18th century. It explores the social and legal implications surrounding the high rate of executions in London, particularly at Tyburn, questioning the effectiveness of these harsh penalties as a deterrent to crime. The work critiques not only the execution process itself but also the societal attitudes towards criminals and the flawed legal practices that facilitate crime and punishment. At the start of the treatise, Mandeville expresses his concern about the high number of executions due to theft and lesser crimes, lamenting that many condemned individuals face death for trivial offenses. He attributes this to systemic issues, such as "Theftbote," the practice of not prosecuting thieves, which he argues encourages criminal behavior. The opening introduces vivid scenes associated with execution day, detailing the infamous procession to Tyburn and the behavior of both the condemned and the spectators, indicating a shared societal indifference to the suffering of criminals. Mandeville's initial chapters establish a robust framework for discussions on potential reforms to criminal justice practices, aiming to provoke thought and action on an issue that affects society at large.