How were criminals treated in the past?

In the past, criminals were often subjected to harsh and punitive measures, reflecting societal attitudes that prioritized retribution over rehabilitation. Punishments could include public humiliation, corporal punishment, and even execution for serious offenses. Prisons were typically overcrowded and unsanitary, focusing more on containment than reform. Additionally, the legal process was often influenced by social class and gender, leading to unequal treatment before the law.