Enforcing law and order

Medieval England (c500-c1500)

Enforcing Law and Order

Local Communities: In this period, law and order was upheld through local systems known as ‘tithings’ and ‘manors’. Every man over 12 belonged to a tithing, and was responsible for others’ behaviour.
Hue and Cry: If a crime was committed, the victim raised a ‘hue and cry’. Every man in the tithing had to help catch the criminal or they could be punished too.
Trial by Ordeal: Serious crimes might be decided by ‘trial by ordeal’. God was expected to protect the innocent through miracles in these trials.
Trial by Combat: Nobles might undergo ‘trial by combat’, where guilt or innocence was determined by who won in a fight.
The Church: Crimes against the Church were dealt with by Church courts using Canon law.

Enforcing Law and Order

Justices of the Peace: More power was given to Justices of the Peace (JPs), local officials responsible for maintaining law and order.
Sheriffs and Constables: They supervised unpaid sheriffs and constables who investigated crimes and arrested suspects.
Watchmen: Large towns had night watchmen, although they had a reputation for being ineffective.
Star Chamber: The Star Chamber was a court used by the monarch to control powerful people who might not be punished in local courts.

Enforcing Law and Order

Bow Street Runners: London’s first professional police force, the Bow Street Runners, was established in 1749.
Criminal Investigations: New ideas led to changes in how crimes were investigated, like importance of clues at crime scenes.
Metropolitan Police Force: In 1829 the Metropolitan Police Force was founded, serving as a model for other modern police forces.
Shift in Responsibilities: They took over some responsibilities from watchmen, sheriffs, and constables, and acted as a deterrent to crime through high-visibility patrols.
Prison System: The 19th century saw significant reforms and expansion of the prison system, often with a new emphasis on rehabilitation rather than just punishment.

Enforcing Law and Order

Police Reforms: The role of the police continued to develop, moving towards a service-based approach and focusing on community engagement.
Legislation: Major legislation such as the Criminal Justice Act (2003) have further shaped how law and order is enforced.
Technological Innovations: Advances in technology have aided crime detection and enforcement - from DNA testing to CCTV.
Cyber Security: The rise of digital technology has led to challenges with cybercrime and the need for increased cybersecurity.
Changes in Society: Social changes also brought about changes in law enforcement, such as relaxed laws on homosexuality and abortion, but tighter restrictions on terrorism and hate crimes.