Crime and punishment topic 4 Flashcards
What were the main communal methods of combatting crime in the medieval periods
Tithings, JPs, chief constables, watchmen
How did tithings work
Ten tithings were grouped into a hundred, the hundred man dealt with more serious crimes
How was England divided
Into shires, with a sheriff responsible for public order in each shire (this was unpaid)
When were JPs appointed
1326
Who replaced the hundredmen
Two chief constables
What was the job of the chief constables
To maintain law and order and report to the JPs, had to do archery practice on Sundays and check that all men 15-60 could fight for the king
What was difficult about the chief constables job
It was unpaid, time consuming and they had to do it as well as their original job
Which method of combatting crime stayed the same from the medieval times to the early 16th century
The hue and cry
Why were new methods of combatting crime adopted in the 16th century
The medieval system was less effective in growing towns
How many laws were the JPs responsible for enforcing
Over 300
What was the main role of a JP
To act as a magistrate - it was common in Tudor times for them to try minor cases eg drunkenness and fighting
What were the Quarter Sessions
These happened four times a year and it was where all the JPs in the country would meet
Give three examples of JP roles
Supervise the maintenance of roads
Regulate wages of manual workers
Supervise the relief of the poor
What were some of the duties of the constable
Make arrests and escort to prison
Ensure that taxes are paid on time
Keep an eye on apprentices
What was the role of the night watchman
To patrol the streets at night, calling out the hour and catching any criminals
What were the drawbacks of parish constables and night watchmen
They were unpopular roles as they were unpaid and had to be done as well as a day job
What were the positives of parish constables and night watchmen
They helped to maintain law and order across the country and their presence reassured locals
Who started policing at Bow Street in the 18th century, setting an example for the Fielding brothers
Thomas de Veil, a retired army officer
Why did Henry and John Fielding attempt to tackle crime as the Bow Street Runners
Henry was appointed Chief Magistrate and was horrified at the level of crime in the city
Which causes of crime did Henry Fielding identify
Too many moving to London expected an easy life, the government was corrupt, people chose crime over hard work and the constables were useless
How did Henry try to stop crime
He kept a record of all reported crimes and he trained 6 law officers to act as full time ‘runners’. He also paid them .
Did the Bow Street Runners wear a uniform to begin with?
No
Who took over from Henry when his health started to fail
His half brother John
What was John Fielding nicknamed
Blind Beak
