Why were people put in stocks?

People were put in stocks as a form of punishment for minor crimes or offenses, serving as a public display of shame and humiliation. This practice was intended to deter others from committing similar acts by showcasing the consequences of wrongdoing. The stocks immobilized the offender, often leaving them exposed to public ridicule, jeers, or even physical abuse. Over time, the use of stocks declined with the evolution of more humane approaches to justice.