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Penal - GCSE History Definition

Reviewed by: Zoe Wade

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The term penal refers to anything related to the punishment of people who break the law. In history, it often involves discussing laws, systems, or institutions used to discipline offenders. For example, penal codes are sets of laws that outline what actions are considered crimes and what punishments are given for them. Penal institutions are places like prisons where people are sent as punishment. Understanding the penal system can help students learn about how societies, in different times and places, have dealt with crime and punishment. This can be especially important when studying changes in justice and the development of legal systems over time.

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Zoe Wade

Reviewer: Zoe Wade

Expertise: History Content Creator

Zoe has worked in education for 10 years as a teaching assistant and a teacher. This has given her an in-depth perspective on how to support all learners to achieve to the best of their ability. She has been the Lead of Key Stage 4 History, showing her expertise in the Edexcel GCSE syllabus and how best to revise. Ever since she was a child, Zoe has been passionate about history. She believes now, more than ever, the study of history is vital to explaining the ever-changing world around us. Zoe’s focus is to create accessible content that breaks down key historical concepts and themes to achieve GCSE success.

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