Nightwalker statutes were English statutes, before modern policing, allowing or requiring night watchmen to arrest those found on the streets after sunset and hold them until morning.[1] Foremost among them was the Statute of Winchester of 1285, which was re-adopted or amended several times until its repeal in 1827. It stated that "if any stranger do pass by them, he shall be arrested until morning."[2] Such power was interpreted to extend not only to the watchmen themselves, but also to assistants, and allowed the arrest and detention of all persons.[3]
See also[edit]
- Village lock-up
- Hue and cry
- Policing in the United Kingdom
- Security
- Security officer
- Watchman (law enforcement)
References[edit]
- ^ Atwater v. Lago Vista 532 US 318 (2001).
- ^ Tomlins, Thomas Edlyne; Raithby, John (1810). Nightwalker Statute 1285 [13 Edw. I. - A.D. 1285 Chapter IV]. The Statutes of the Realm: Printed by Command of His Majesty King George the Third; in pursuance of an Address of the House of Commons of Great Britain. Vol. I. London, Great Britain: Dawson of Pall Mall. p. 97. OCLC 426777557.
{{cite book}}:|website=ignored (help) - ^ 4 Blackstone 289[full citation needed]
Part of the common law series | ||
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| Inchoate offences | ||
| Defences | ||
| Offences against the person or state | ||
| Sexual offences | ||
| Criminal libel and kindred offences | ||
| Offences against property | ||
| Forgery, personation and cheating | ||
| Offences against justice | ||
| Death against family honour | ||
| Criminal behaviour |
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