Final answer:
In 1800s Britain, the justice system was considered unjust due to unfair trials, harsh punishments, and inconsistent laws, compounded by a lack of legal representation and gender biases. Therefore correct option is D
Step-by-step explanation:
The criminal justice system in Britain during the 1800s was viewed as unjust for several reasons. Unfair trials, harsh punishments, lack of legal representation, and inconsistent application of laws all contributed to this perception. With over 200 crimes classified as capital offenses, even juries were reluctant to convict offenders, leading to a call for reform. Public executions were common spectacles, and those executed for petty crimes rarely received a proper burial. Sentences often included deportation to penal colonies in distant territories. By 1868, public hangings ceased as reforms took hold. This era was marked by an evolving legal landscape aiming to create a more equitable system of justice.
Debate over the criminal justice system's fairness continues into modern times, with some advocating for harsher penalties as a crime deterrent, while others highlight the uneven targeting of certain groups and the system's inability to effectively rehabilitate. The Supreme Court in the United States has addressed issues such as the death penalty and sentencing of minors, reflecting ongoing concerns about justice and fairness.
Gender also played a role in legal inequities. For example, women could not own land or vote, and they were often exempt from the death penalty for crimes that could lead to a man's execution, as society deemed it inappropriate to execute women publicly. This differential treatment underscores the inconsistent application of law based on gender.