Domestic policy: Justice and order

Question 1

what were justices of the peace
x3

Answer 1

unpaid position appointed on a county by county basis
met 4x a year to administer justice through quarter sessions
held position for prestige or sense of duty

Question 2

what were the JP’s responsible for
x4

Answer 2

routine administration:
tax assessments
alehouse regulations
investigation of complaints against local officials
maintenance of law and order