Henry VII: Government - Justices of the Peace

Question 1

Role of JPs

Answer 1

• Maintain public order
• Executing legislation

Question 2

How were JPs appointed?

Answer 2

• JPs were appointed annually from among the local landowners
• This restricted power of magnates and meant that JPs were loyal to the king, not members of the nobility
• JPs were reappointed each year, if not reappointed the former JP would fall from grace socially

Question 3

Quarter Sessions

Answer 3

• All JPs in a county met at Quarter Sessions, 4 times a year
• Where serious court cases were dealt with - any case except treason
• Treason cases would go to Assize court - judges under special commission from the Crown

Question 4

Authority of JPs

Answer 4

• 1487 - JPs given power to grant bail to those awaiting trial
• 1495 - given authority to deal with juries that were considered to be tainted by loyalties to a magnate
• Given power to act without jury
• The Court of the King’s Bench could override any decision made at a Quarter Session
• Grievances against a JP or a decision taken by a JP could be referred to an Assize Court or to the king

Question 5

Were JPs paid?

Answer 5

• JPs were not paid for their position - they felt responsible as landowners to maintain law and order and social order
• Being a JP was honour enough