Justices of the peace Flashcards
What increased under the Tudors?
The nature of the work of the JPs and the number operating in each county
What happened to the number of JPs during the period?
In 1485 most counties had fewer than ten JPs and commissioners often served adjacent counties
By the end of the sixteenth century most had over 50
What explains the increase in the number of JPs?
An increase in their workload
Pressure from the gentry
What did the gentry enjoy as JPs?
The authority and prestige that went with the office and the financial and political opportunities it afford them
What did Wolsey do between 1515 and 1525?
Deliberately appointed non-northerners to several northern counties to effect greater stability in the region
What happened between 1536 and 1539?
Nearly one-third of all JPs in areas affected by the PoG were replaced
What did Edward, Mary, and Elizabeth do?
Changed JPs in counties for religious reasons
What were there in 1569 and 1601?
Wholesale changes in areas where jPs had supported rebellions
What functions did JPs perform?
Resolve disputes between masters, apprentices, and servants
Commit those who disturbed the peace to jail
Fine recusants and arrest papists
What was much of JPs time spent doing?
Travelling the county and dealing with cases presented by constables and hundred courts
What did JPs do four times a year?
Preside over the Quarter Sessions in the county courts
What did JPs fulfil a vital role in doing?
Dispensing justice at a local level
What did most JPs do?
Work for the good of their community and were loyal subjects
What was a more important role and what were they expected to do?
Their administrative role
Administer over 300 statutes
Give an example of a statute they were expected to administer:
Assessing subsidy tax returns to oversee the welfare of the poor
