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Crime and Punishment in America

Levi Ames and the Spectacle of Public Execution

Season 1 Episode 1 | 2m 45s

In 1773, 21-year-old Levi Ames was found guilty of burglary for the third time and sentenced to death. Printers produced 18 different versions of his confession, which fascinated the public. Today, we watch television shows and read books about crime and punishment, showcasing the same fascination our ancestors did.

Major funding for CRIME AND PUNISHMENT IN AMERICA was provided by The Atlantic Philanthropies, Emerson Collective, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the Park Foundation. Major funding was also provided by the following members of The Better Angels Society: The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; The Just Trust for Education; Allan and Shelley Holt; The Tow Foundation; and the Sozosei Foundation. Additional support was provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities, The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust, Ford Foundation | JustFilms, and by The Better Angels Society members: John and Catherine Debs; Timothy Fazio; Lise Strickler and Mark Gallogly; the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund (Laurie M. Tisch Foundation Inc); Gilchrist and Amy Berg; the Carson Family Charitable Trust; Mauree Jane and Mark W. Perry; the Segal Family Foundation; and Mark A. Tracy.
Extras
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Wizard Academy Gameplay Part 2
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Clip: 15:08
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Wizard Academy Gameplay Part 1
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Clip: 9:01
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