My name's sake was convicted of fraud, stealing two books by way of deception and was sentenced to transport for 7 years hard labour (Australia, First Fleet). U

My name's sake was convicted of fraud, stealing two books by way of deception and was sentenced to transport for 7 years hard labour (Australia, First Fleet). Up until the 1830's lashes (whipping) was the most common punishment meted out to convicts, more than 50 lashes at a time was not uncommon even for small infractions. Governor Burke passed the Magistrates Act in the 1830's limiting lashes to 50 even though many complained that very harsh sentences were the only way to keep convicts in line. Having said that most convicts upon emancipation were allotted land and tools (and sometimes convict help) required to cultivate farms.