The way in which crime was punished in the Royal Navy, during the Georgian period, was often the subject of great controversy and debate. In answering this question it is important to consider contemporary sources in order to develop an accurate analysis. After examining various sources, it seems clear that the use of physical punishment was indeed necessary to exert power over sailors, especially with the limited alternatives available. It is also apparent that the Royal Navy's reputation for flogging has been exaggerated, as N. Rodger observes, the violence used, "by eighteenth-century standards... was generally acceptable and even enlightened". When considering whether physical punishment was necessary or not, the potential crimes themselves must be assessed. As D. Pope argues, "one of the worst crimes on a ship is theft", this is supported by J.M. Powell's letter to his father, where theft is often mentioned. Other widespread problems include drunken behavior, physical attacks, and idleness, to name a few. Regarding the need for physical punishment, as D. Pope continues to say, "the spectacular aspect was considered the most important" to illustrate the consequences of the crime. N. Rodger presents an alternative to why physical punishment was required, stating that "the Captain had no instructions as to how else he could deal with them." Sources such as Captain Corbet's Appeal suggest that the contemporary view was that fear prevented crime, and so as far as punishment was concerned, "the more severe in appearance, the better". a subjective process. As N. Rodger states… half the paper… the technology was not available. However, that being said, the legal code that dictated how much punishment should be meted out was in desperate need of an upheaval. This led to a great deal of subjectivity and therefore it was up to the individual to decide the correct level of discipline. It also seems clear that, compared to the disciplinary methods of the ground forces, the reputation of the Navy's punishment has been considerably embellished. Although flogging was indeed a harsh measure, in the long run it would be considered better than going to prison or being sanctioned by courts martial. Works CitedBritish Naval Documents 1204-1960, 548-50; Life and organization on board, 1731-1815, ed. B. Lavery (NRS, Vol. 138, 1998), 377-9, 391-409. Pope, D., Life in Nelson's Navy, (London, 1989). Rodger, N.A.M., The wooden World: An Anatomy of the Georgian, (London, 1986).