Justices of the Peace and Law Enforcement

How did Justices of the Peace in the early modern period enforce the law?

During the early modern period, JPs were given more and more responsibility for law enforcement.

How did the role of Justices of the Peace in law enforcement expand in the early modern period?

The role of Justices of the Peace in law enforcement expanded in 2 important ways.

• ❖ By 1600, they were responsible for enforcing over 300 laws.
• ❖ By the 1600s, JPs were complaining their role was too large and included too many jobs for them to carry it out properly.

What did Justices of the Peace do to enforce the law in the early modern period?

Under the Tudors, the role of the JP in law enforcement grew to include 6 important roles:

• ❖ Checking bridges for safety and supervising the building of roads.
• ❖ Licensing ale-houses.
• ❖ Managing and collecting poor relief.
• ❖ Managing the Houses of Correction.
• ❖ Arresting vagrants.
• ❖ Regulating local sport.