Nightwalker statute
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
- Village lock-up
- Hue and cry
- Policing in the United Kingdom
- Security
- Security officer
- Watchman (law enforcement)
References
- ^ Atwater v. Lago Vista 532 US 318 (2001).
- )
- ^ 4 Blackstone 289[full citation needed]
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