Amateur Night

The people running the justice system in the colonies are all laypeople, not trained or paid professionals. The sheriffs in charge of law enforcement, magistrates who decide cases, constables who make arrests, and night watchmen patrolling the streets are ordinary citizens, able-bodied men who are being required to perform their civic duty. Often, they must continue their work as farmers and such on the side. Governors appoint a sheriff to serve as chief government agent in each county, taking charge of jury selection as well as jails and prisoners. Little guidance is provided to clarify responsibilities or set standards for the criminal justice system. Ideas of legal or illegal procedure have little resonance. Sheriffs often neglect their duties, are prone to corruption and incompetence, and feel free to utilize any means necessary when dealing with suspected criminals. In 1648, the Dutch settlers in New York start a paid watch system. The British colonists in Boston implement a similar plan in 1663. In both cases, however, the systems prove to be prohibitively expensive and are dismantled.

Baptism of Pocahontas John G. Chapman, 1618