Law Enforcement 1500-1700

Trial by ordeal was abolished in 1215

The Role of the Church

The church became increasingly powerful -owned 25% of land in England

People wanted to go to heaven, so it was vital for them to go to church to worship God

If a clergy member was accused, they could be tried in Church courts (rarely use death penalty) - had to recite Psalm 51 (criminals could remember it)

Maiming (cut of hand/arm - retribution) was used more as Church courts become more popular

You could claim sanctuary in Church, and could not be got by the law — lasted for 40 days

Centralising (King)

1166 prisons for people waiting for court - Assize of Clarendon

Royal judges (Justices in Eyre) would travel around to hear serious cases

Governments appointed Sheriffs and Coroners to investigate murders

1361 Justices of Peace met 4 time a year to enforce law

Statute of Labourers (1348) - illegal to ask for higher wages

High treason - plotting to kill/betray king

Heresy laws were changing 1382, 1401, and 1414

responsibility for middle ages law enforcement - 50% local communities, 20% church, 30% King

Local Communities

Urbanisation - population was increasing → hue and cry was becoming less effective

Town Constables

• employed by town authorities

• turned in serious criminals

• could arrest suspects with out warrant

• appointed by local people with good standing

Night Watchmen

• overseen by town constable

• carries lamp - help with dark

• ring bell to warn people

• unpaid volunteers

• shift from 10pm to dawn

• all householders were expected to serve

Thief takers

• paid as reward for catching criminals

• delivers criminals to law

• open to corruption

• criminals could also be theif-takers

responsibility for 1500 - 1700 law enforcement - 55% local communities, 45% King