The Justices of the Peace 1679 - 1760

In the eighteenth century, the justices of the peace governed England and were independent, making them fascinating. Norma Landau examines the office of justice of the peace from the viewpoint of the justices themselves, tracing the evolution of the elite's conduct of government and their concept of their relation to those they governed.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 438 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

In the eighteenth century, the justices of the peace held significant authority
authority in England, overseeing the country's internal affairs while Parliament deliberated on trade, taxation, and foreign policy. These justices, particularly during the later Stuart and early Hanoverian periods, became highly independent, largely free from the control or supervision of the central government or Parliament. Their independence is a key aspect that makes them intriguing. Neither the central government nor Parliament dictated their actions, closely monitored their activities, or ensured their existence. Instead, the justices had the autonomy to choose how to govern and carry out their duties.

The question arises as to why the justices assumed the burdens of local government. Norma Landau delves into the office of justice of the peace from the perspective of the justices themselves, exploring the ideals and incentives inherent in local government that prompted the English elite to take on their distinctive role as paternal rulers. Through an in-depth analysis of various aspects, including the appointment of justices, the political and social composition of the bench, the institutions of local government, the justices' administrative and judicial activities, and manuals written for justices, this study traces the evolution of the elite's conduct of government and their concept of their relationship with the people they governed.

The appointment of justices is a crucial aspect that sheds light on the evolving dynamics of the elite's conduct of government. Landau examines the process by which justices were selected and appointed, analyzing the criteria used to determine their suitability and the influence of political and social factors on the selection process. She also explores the role of patronage in shaping the political and social composition of the bench, which in turn influenced the justices' approach to governance.

The political and social composition of the bench is another important factor that shaped the justices' conduct of government. Landau examines the backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of the justices, including their education, social status, and connections to the local community. She explores how these factors influenced the justices' decisions, their interpretation of the law, and their relationship with the people they governed.

The institutions of local government also played a significant role in shaping the justices' conduct of government. Landau examines the structure, functions, and powers.

Weight: 635g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520307636