Law Enforcement Flashcards
Define the Kings Peace
- It was the Kings duty to maintain law and order throughout the country - this was effective because the king was very powerful and people felt they were safe.
What was the hue and cry?
System of catching criminals that meant everyone had a duty to raise the alarm if they saw a crime taking place.
Why was the hue and cry so effective?
Ignoring a hue and cry could lead to fines - everyone was expected to help out and capture suspects
Why were the changes to law enforcement in the Medieval period?
- Normanise England - Trial by Combat
- Centralisation of King’s power - Coroners and JPs who were selected by the King to deal with situations in ‘unruly’ areas
- People moved to towns so the sense of community was decreased so law enforcement had to be adapted
In what year did the Pope end all trial by ordeal?
1215
What replaced trial by ordeal?
Trial by Jury
Define a tithing
Group of 10 men who were each responsible for each other’s behaviour
Describe the benefit of the clergy
This was where members of the clergy could only be tried in Church courts; which would often be more lenient.
Define trial by ordeal
This trial tested whether the accused was innocent or guilty in the eyes of God. Religion had a crucial part to play in medieval lifestyle so God’s decision was seen to be final
Describe trial by hot iron
The accused would hold a hot iron and walk for 3m. If after 3 days; the wound had healed they were innocent. If it had not healed; they were guilty.
Describe trial by cold water
The accused were be lowered into cold water. If they sank; they would be seen as innocent whereas if they floated it would’ve been as they were being rejected by the water; so they were guilty.
Why were oaths important in the Anglo-Saxon period?
Oaths were very effective and are still used today. People feared life after death; they feared God. They wouldn’t dare lying under oath for fear of going to hell.
What were some problems facing law enforcement in the Early Modern period?
- Increased wealth meant more valuable goods
- Overpopulation meant it was much easier to pass unnoticed
- Growing number of businesses meant more opportunities for fraud
- Vagabondage meant there were more thiefs - they were desperate
Describe a Night Watchmen
- Volunteers (men) who would patrol the local area after dark with a lamp and ringing a bell,
acted as a deterrent
Describe the role of a Town Constable
Man appointed by local people to oversee law; stop suspected criminals and turn them in at court
Describe the role of a Thief Taker
Essentially a bounty hunter; paid a reward for catching a criminal and delivering them to the law
Describe the roles of coroners and justices of peace
Coroners would’ve investigated unexpected deaths. JPs had the right to fine and arrest people who disturbed peace
What was established in 1748?
The Bow Street Runners
Who were the Bow Street Runners?
A team of thief takers who patrolled the streets of London at night. They also investigated crimes and presented evidence at court - they charged fees.
What did the Bow Street Runners introduce to stop highway men?
Mounted horse patrols
In what year were the Bow Street Runners officially paid by the government?
1785
What did Robert Peel set up in 1829?
The Metropolitan Police Force
Describe what a metropolitan policemen looked like
They wore long blue coats and strengthened tall hats which protected them from blows to the head whilst also could be used to stand on to look over walls.
When was the first the first detective Branch established at Scotland Yard?
1842
Why did the public not take kindly to detectives?
They were seen as spies on the public
What did the 1856 Police Act say?
It was now compulsory for all towns and counties to set up a professional police force that was centrally controlled
When was the first Dog Handling unit introduced?
1938
What was the Neighbourhood watch?
This was where police in schools and police community support officers work within the community on preventing anti-social behaviour
How does CCTV and video surveillance prevent crimes?
People are less likely to commit a crime if they know they’re being watched
When was the 999 emergency dial introduced?
1933
What advancement was made in the 1920s to the police force?
Women were allowed to join
Evaluate the effectiveness of the Bow Street Runners
Effective:
Threat of Mounted patrols acted as a deterrent
Targetted areas of crime
Organised
Not Effective:
Only based in London
Only the Rich could afford the fees
Not enough constables
Evaluate the effectiveness of the Metropolitan Police in 1828
Effective:
Public prescense acted as a deterrent
Very organised - Greater Numbers
Not Effective:
Public concern that they may oppose any opposition to the government
Evaluate the effectiveness of the Night Watchmen
Effective:
Acted a deterrent
Bell acted as a warning to potential criminals
Not Effective:
Wouldn’t keep a weapon, potentially vulnerable
Evaluate the effectiveness of Thief Takers
Effective:
Unofficial law enforcement, criminals are less cautious
Do not have to follow rules
Not Effective:
Open to corruption, some criminals operated as thief takers and informed on rival criminal gangs to make money
