GCSE/IGCSE History

A large number of methods of law enforcement continued during the Early Modern period.

The hue and cry was used as before. Every member of the village would be expected to hunt for a criminal. Any that chose not to join the search would be fined. In the event of the hue and cry failing the posse would continue the search.

The constable was one of the main methods used to track down criminals and maintain law and order. This was a part-time role fulfilled by a well-known local figure.

Church courts remained in use during this period and dealt with crimes committed by men of the church and anyone that could claim the Benefit of the Clergy. However, by 1600 many more ordinary people were claiming Benefit of the Clergy, reading the 'neck verse' so this practice was ended.

Trial by jury continued as a method still relying on a jury made up of local people. There were a couple of new introductions for law enforcement in the Early Modern Period.

From the 1730s town watchmen were introduced to patrol the streets. Their role included the arrest and detention of vagabonds and drunks. In reality, they were not particularly effective as the role was badly paid and attracted low-calibre candidates desperate for a job. and as a result, those employed were often drunk on the job and faced ridicule.

Around 1500, justices of the peace (JPs) became an important method of law enforcement. Local wealthy people were usually offered the position as it offered prestige. The role enabled them to pass sentence mainly on minor criminals - they issued fines, ordered people to be whipped or sent them to the stocks and pillory. JPs primarily dealt with minor crimes but four times a year they would meet up with other JPs for Quarter Sessions, where they would deal with more serious crimes. At these sessions, the JPs were empowered to sentence people to death.

The army also became a central feature of law enforcement. They were often used to stop riots and thwart and capture organised criminal gangs.