1500-1700 Flashcards
What system was used since Anglo Saxon times in rural communities?
Tithings were maintained in rural communities.
What policing system was created in towns during the same period?
The system of wards was created in towns but was harder to maintain due to population size.
What is the Hue and Cry?
A system from Medieval times maintained in rural communities, with similar expectations in towns.
What led to the creation of new town constables and town watchmen?
The difficulty in enforcing Hue and Cry in towns.
What was the army’s role in enforcement during 1500-1700?
The army was the tool of last resort.
What changes occurred in town policing under Cromwell’s rule?
There was an increase in town constables employed by town authorities.
What was the role of town watchmen?
Men in the town were expected to monitor the streets at night.
What happened to the influence of Church Courts after Henry VIII?
Their influence reduced, focusing mainly on moral crimes.
What are County Assizes and Quarter Sessions?
County Assizes dealt with the most serious cases ruled by visiting Royal judges; Quarter Sessions dealt with lesser cases.
What was the significance of Habeas Corpus?
It prevented an individual from being held unlawfully by authorities.
What was the role of Justices of the Peace?
They were prominent figures in the court system.
What was the focus of policing in rural communities?
Hue and Cry and Tithings remained the main forms of policing.
What led to the decline of Church Courts’ significance?
The English Reformation transferred powers to Royal Courts, limiting Church Courts to moral crimes.
What fears led to the establishment of Habeas Corpus in 1679?
Fears that James II would push the idea of divine right.
What was the impact of the English Civil War on enforcement?
It led to the collapse of the County Assize system.
What factors influenced the growth of thief takers?
Growing fear of rural poverty and social upheaval.
What was the role of wealthy families regarding crime protection?
They hired private protection known as thief takers.
What was the expectation of Town and Parish Constables?
They were expected to deal with vagabonds.
What issues did new systems of crime enforcement face in towns?
They were poorly paid, poorly organized, and had a poor reputation.
