1500-1700 Early Modern England - Law Enforcement In Early Modern England Flashcards
What was an important factor for changes in law enforcement
Increasing population size
CONTINUITY - What were people expected to do in the hue and cry
Raise and join so criminals could be caught where a crime took place
CONTINUITY - what was there no force of, and what varied widely across the country
No national police force
Methods of effectiveness of preventing crime + catching criminals varied
Who became less powerful in society
The church
What did Henry VIII allow with the benefit of the clergy
Allowed non-clergy the benefit once and people were branded to show they’d received the privilege
What crimes did Edward VI make exempt from the benefit of the clergy
Serious crimes - eg = murder
From 1576 what couldn’t church courts do
Try criminal acts
Where were people tried instead
In secular courts
What could people still do in court
Claim benefit of clergy
Receive more lenient sentences than others
What did Henry VIII stop
Exile abroad for those claiming sanctuary
What did people have to do with sanctuary instead
Keep to designated sanctuaries in England
What did James I abolish in 1623
Sanctuary
Features of Walkmen
- carried a lamp to light their way
- rang a bell to alert people
- all male householders were expected to volunteer bu the role was unpaid
- patrolled the streets between 10pm and dawn
- overseen by town constables
Features of town constables
- employed by authorities in towns
- respected members of the community
- had the power to arrest suspects and take them to the JPs
- in charge of the watchmen in their area
- helped with town administration
