Justices of the Peace
History: Edexcel A Level England, 1509-1603, topic 3.1.3
Justices of the Peace
The role of Justices of the Peace (JPs) developed over the Tudor period.
Who were Justices of the Peace?
- JPs were drawn from the ranks of the gentry and merchant class. Thus, local government became, to a degree, independent from the influence of the nobility.
- JPs were the cornerstone of local government.
- They were in charge of the implementation of laws, government policies and public order.
- JPs were not paid for their work, it was a position of responsibility in the local community and was considered a great honour.
Henry VII and JPs
- Under Henry VII, there were about 18 per county.
- Under Henry VII, the power of JPs increased.
- E.g. from 1487, JPs could grant bail to people awaiting trial.
- From 1495, JPs could vet juries and replace jury members thought to have been bribed.
- Henry VII appointed JPs annually and increasingly chose less important landowners rather than bigger landowners.
Henry VIII and JPs
- Henry VIII continued this trend. He wanted to not rely on the nobility for maintaining law and order.
Elizabeth I and JPs
- The poor laws greatly increased their responsibilities.
- Under Elizabeth I, the trend towards increasing the number of JPs continued. By 1600, there was an average of 50 per county.
Test yourself on Justices of the Peace
Who did Henry VII and VIII NOT want to rely on for maintaining law and order?