Law Enforcement 1500-1700

Question 1

What was some continuity in law enforcement since 1000?

Answer 1

1. Witnesses must step in to stop suspects or report to authorities
2. Still expected to join the hue and cry

Question 2

What was some change in law enforcement since 1000?

Answer 2

1. Before town constables were introduced but later they were expanded
2. Before night watch were introduced but later they were expanded
3. No thief takers now there are thief takers

Question 3

How did population growth change law enforcement?

Answer 3

1. Population of England in 1500 it was 2.5 million but in 1700 it was 5-6 million
2. More urban areas London’s population increased to 50,000
3. Crime was easier to get away with
4. More anonymous and readily available goods.

Question 4

What are night watchmen?

Answer 4

1. Overseen by town constables
2. Part of the duties of male town citizens
3. Unpaid volunteers
4. Carry a lamp
5. Rings a bell to warn people to go home

Question 5

What are town constables?

Answer 5

1. Employed by town authorities
2. Turn in serious criminals to court
3. Appointed by local people with good standing
4. Helps with local administrative issues like collecting payments for road cleaning

Question 6

What are professional thief takers?

Answer 6

1. Constables and watchmen were not effective
2. Victims resorted to thief takers
3. Paid a reward for catching a criminal
4. Open to corruption as criminals acted as thief takers and informed on rival gangs to make money.

Question 7

Who was Jonathan Wild?

Answer 7

1. Jonathan Wild
2. Secretly led a gang of thieves who claimed rewards when they handed in stolen goods.
3. Assumed the title of thieftaker general in 1718 executed in 1725