The 20th century saw an end to most punishments of the past, notably capital punishment. Authorities have continued to rely on fines and prisons, but the prison system has seen significant changes. Different governments have also tried non-custodial alternatives to prison, in particular for young offenders.

During the 20th century, there were 3 main steps in the move away from corporal punishment.

• ❖ It was abolished as a punishment for crime in 1948.
• ❖ It stopped being used in prisons in 1967.