Changing role of the Justices of the Peace

Question 1

How did the role work in the localities?

Answer 1

1483 well-established judical system (combo fo central courts of law, travelling and local) - main Court of King’s Bench in London but went on tours x2 a tear

• Local officials played - JPs members of nobility and gentry
• Influence local affairs - monarchy inserted members of court to enhance central control
• Qualification worth £20/ year - emerged in 14th cent appointed annualy w/ widespread powers:
• decideing on cases of felony and trespass
• arrest potential suspects
• supervised fixing of prices and wages
• administer poor law and control vagrants

Question 2

Under Henry VII

Answer 2

Usurper made him vulnerable to rebellions - members of his Court (JP):
Sir Thomas Lovell in Yorkshire and Sussex
-Increased powers:
1495 Act of Parliament - JPs act on info received abt suspects w.o waiting for a jury to be summoned
- replace jurors (corrupt)
-Inquire into illegal retaining by nobility + examine complaints of corruptions againts other officials e.g sheriffs

Death in 1509 - Judical and Administrative role had increased considerably

Question 3

Under Henry VIII

Answer 3

Wolsey - keen to improve local system - 1526 summoned to hear speak to fill in 21-section questionnaire on law and order in their regions

Cromwell - careful who was appointed - expected to enforce supremacy & Reformation

Question 4

Under Edward Mary and Elizabeth

Answer 4

Socio-economic crisis 40s and 50s - fear to social disorder - 1552 Act of Parliament alll alehouses licensed
-Enforcing Edwards religious changes - 1552 enfore the 2nd Prayer Book
-Elizabeth reign no. of country benches rise - 25 Wolsey to 40 and 50
-1602 no. per country ranged from 40-90
Local gentry realised that becoming a JP was crucial for advancement - William Cecil kept close eye on membership

-1585 outbreak of war - deputy Lieutenants recruited men to fight
By 1580s aquired powers to deal w/ new felonies inc riots and witchcraft + deal a wide range if minor offences e.g drunknness
-Administration of Tudor Poor Laws
-Local status often appointed to additonal gov commissions e.g assessment and collection of parliament subsidies
-1603 309 Acts of Parliament placed responsiblity inc. traditional roles + new ones brought

BY 1603 THE ROLE OF THE JPS IN ADMINISTERING TUDOR LAW AND CONTROLLING THE REGIONS HAD EXPANDED ENOURMOUSLY –
THROUGH THEM, THE POWER AND CONTROL OF THE CROWN EXPANDED