The Flogging Craze

Henry S. Salt, Sir George Greenwood (Foreword)

Publisher: George Allen & Unwin, London
Published: 1916
Length: 159
Format: Hardback

Summary

Henry S. Salt’s The Flogging Craze critically examines the continued practice of corporal punishment within the penal system and beyond, making a compelling case against its legitimacy. In this timely work, Salt argues that flogging should not remain part of our legal framework, likening it to torture sanctioned by the state. He presents clear, logical arguments that counter the ignorance and outdated beliefs that often underpin support for such barbaric practices.

The book highlights the troubling mindset of some legislators, who champion the infliction of corporal punishment without understanding its implications for social justice and reform. Salt’s writing combines reason with a keen sense of humour, making the case that the degradation of both the punished and the punisher must be recognized and addressed.

Through an exploration of societal attitudes towards crime, Salt posits that crime is a symptom of deeper social maladies, advocating for systemic reform over punitive measures. He asserts that true progress requires addressing the root causes of crime rather than resorting to brutal methods of discipline, which only perpetuate a cycle of violence and ignorance.

The Flogging Craze serves not only as a historical account of the anti-flogging movement but also as a vital contribution to the broader discourse on prison reform and humane treatment of individuals within the justice system. Salt’s work is essential reading for those committed to advocating for a more compassionate and enlightened approach to social justice.

“A case which has never been made before in such convincing form.”—Everyman.