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Concept information

Preferred term

chain gangs  

Definition

  • In the middle of the 19th century, the practice of chaining prisoners together while they worked became customary in England and Australia. The iron chains weighing from six to seven pounds were riveted together by blacksmiths, inspected daily to prevent tampering, and remained attached to prisoners for the length of their sentences, between six months and two years. [Source: Encyclopedia of Prisons & Correctional Facilities; Chain Gangs]

Belongs to group

URI

http://data.loterre.fr/ark:/67375/N9J-G05PZ4C2-H

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