Bushrangers, the Exercise of Mercy and the 'Last Penalty of the Law' in New South Wales and Tasmania 1824-1856

摘要: The death penalty in the 19th century both colonial Australia and Great Britain was widely seen as necessary for punishment deterrence. However, prerogative of mercy served a vital role during this period in mitigating effects capital punishment. This article examines the exercise colonial Australia period from 1824 to grant responsible government 1856 with respect bushrangers. Bushrangers despite their often celebrated even sympathetic status ‘popular culture’ were perceived (in official ‘respectable’ circles at least) more than mere criminals posing particular threat often tenuous stability existence early society. However, even offenders ‘beyond pale’ such bushrangers were not exempted from benefit mercy. It is argued that taken seriously by public, press notably the authorities worst bushrangers. Different conceptions expressed time, ranging ideas of based on desert equity, something predictable and consistent, ideas an undeserved gift. These debates about articulated different law and order, community justice embryonic, self-governing society.