The History of Justices of the Peace by Col. Iain Swinnerton

At the October meeting of the Somerset and Dorset Family History Society, Col.Iain Swinnerton gave a fascinating talk on the history of Justices of the Peace and told of the usefulness of Quarter Session records to the family historian.  The records had been kept over the centuries and the haphazard preservation of these led to the formation of County Record Offices, including our own very good Dorset Record Office Dorchester. 

The post of Justice of the Peace is the second most ancient Office in the Country.  In 1195 Justices replaced Sheriffs, who had become too greedy, in administering law within their County.  Originally there were just four for each County of England and they met four times a year – hence the title Quarter Sessions, which continued until they were abolished in 1972 and replaced with the present Court system. 

Justices were originally landed gentry or people of influence, but today they are more representative of the population as a whole.  Whilst originally there was no formal training, usually their upbringing meant  that they had a grasp of the job before appointment.  Justices did not only deal with Criminal matters, but also with many civil matters.    They were at various times responsible for making lists of  Papists, entry of aliens, responsible for administering the Seditious Societies Act, and making lists of men taking the Oath of Allegiance.  This means that the names of many ordinary citizens appear in the records. 

They dealt with, among other things,  petitions, appointment of constables, and the issuing of licences for many occupations such as hawkers, drovers, gamekeepers,  bargemen and licences for Alehouses - a duty they still administer.  Historically property was more important than people. 

Today the post of Justice of the Peace has changed but they are still unpaid and offer great service to the Communities they serve.

Back to South Dorset Group Meeting Reports

Back to Home Page