Sir Robert Peel

Sir Robert Peel
Kenisha Callahan
CJA500
Steven J. Duplissis, J.D.
7/06/2009
Sir Robert Peel
Political Career
“As Home Secretary, he introduced a number of important reforms of British criminal law: most memorably establishing the Metropolitan Police Force (Metropolitan Police Act 1829). He also reformed the criminal law, reducing the number of crimes punishable by death, and simplified it by repealing a large number of criminal statutes and consolidating their provisions into what are known as Peel's Acts. He reformed the gaol system, introducing payment for gaolers and education for the inmates.” (Robert Peel, 2009, para. 5)
Peel held the office of Home Secretary from 1822- 1827. He resigned in 1827 after Liverpool had a stroke and resigned. He accepted the position as Home Secretary then again in 1828, and continued until 1830. He also served as the leader for The House of Commons from during this time.
Catholic Emancipation
Prime Minister
In 1834 Peel was appointed Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. During the campaign, Peel issued the Tamworth Manifesto, which laid down the principles upon which the modern British Conservative Party is based (Tamworth Manifesto, 2009). This was the beginning of the Conservative Party. Although Peel was prime minister, the Whigs still had more members in the House of Commons, and he was being outvoted. Peel resigned as prime minister in April 1835. In 1841 he was re-appointed Prime Minister. During this time there was an economic recession. In 1842, he introduced the Income Tax. Peel’s attempts to make situations in Ireland better were derailed by the potato blight of 1845. Peel learned that millions of people in Ireland who relied on potatoes to live would have to eat cheap imported corn. He realized the way to stop them from starving was to remove the duties on imported corn. After the Corn Laws were repealed in 1846, it separated the Conservative Party. Peel soon resigned. He did not hold... [continues]

Read full essay