What was abolished in the Penn Colony regarding penalties?

The correct response pertains to the abolition of death penalties for all crimes except murder in the Penn Colony. This was a significant reform initiated by William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, who believed in a more humane approach to punishment. His legal code aimed to reduce the harshness of the penal system of the time and emphasized rehabilitation over retribution.

Penn’s philosophy included the idea that the death penalty should be reserved only for the most serious of crimes, specifically murder, reflecting his belief in the sanctity of life and the potential for redemption. This was a progressive stance for the era, as many other colonies and regions maintained capital punishment for a much wider range of offenses.

The options regarding the abolition of imprisonment for minor offenses, fines for property damage, and certain minor infractions do not accurately capture the historical reforms Penn enacted. While those issues may be relevant within discussions of penal practices, the focus on death penalties highlights a key aspect of Penn’s vision for a justice system that valued mercy and justice over severity.