The Criminals of AustraliaAfter the American Revolution, many English soldiers came back to England from America. Many soldiers and others in the population were unable to find jobs. Unemployment in England led to an increase in violence and crime. Small crimes were not taken lightly. They would earn severe punishments or even death. Prisons became overcrowded in Great Britain and more space was needed. As a result, Joseph Banks brought the convicts from England to their penal colony of Australia .
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Fun Fact
If convicts were in good behavior, they would be able to qualify for a Ticket of Leave, a Certificate of Freedom, Conditional Pardon, or an Absolute Pardon. If prisoners earned these tickets they were be able to live independently but for the period of their sentence, they were still under surveillance and they could lose their independence if they misbehaved. In laters years, this would be part of the justice system and gave the model for probation for prisoners.
If convicts were in good behavior, they would be able to qualify for a Ticket of Leave, a Certificate of Freedom, Conditional Pardon, or an Absolute Pardon. If prisoners earned these tickets they were be able to live independently but for the period of their sentence, they were still under surveillance and they could lose their independence if they misbehaved. In laters years, this would be part of the justice system and gave the model for probation for prisoners.