Opening Schools and Closing Prisons

This book examines Scotland's shift from punitive measures to educational reform for young offenders, focusing on the impact of schools in reducing juvenile crime.

The book Opening Schools and Closing Prisons explores a transformative period in Scottish history, beginning in 1812 with the Tron Riot in Edinburgh, which highlighted alarming levels of juvenile delinquency. This event catalyzed a societal shift towards addressing the root causes of youth crime rather than merely punishing offenders. The narrative spans until 1872, culminating in the Education Act (Scotland), which established a framework for universal education, emphasizing the importance of schooling in preventing juvenile crime.

In the 1840s and 1850s, Scotland began to move away from punitive measures towards a more rehabilitative approach for young offenders. The book highlights the development of reformatory institutions, such as the Glasgow House of Refuge, which became the largest of its kind in the UK. These institutions, alongside industrial schools, provided essential meals and education for at-risk children, aiming to steer them away from a life of crime. This shift in focus from punishment to reformation marked a significant change in the treatment of youth in the justice system.

Pioneered by influential figures like Sheriff William Watson in Aberdeen and Reverend Thomas Guthrie in Edinburgh, these educational initiatives not only shaped local practices but also influenced national legislation. The experiences and successes of Scottish schools played a crucial role in the formation of a comprehensive education system across the UK between 1854 and 1866, as detailed in Opening Schools and Closing Prisons.