Jacks, Knaves and Vagabonds

This book examines the complexities and inconsistencies of Tudor law, highlighting the emergence of a structured criminal justice system amid chaos. Jacks, Knaves and Vagabonds offers a detailed exploration of legal strategies and societal impacts.

In Jacks, Knaves and Vagabonds, Gregory Durston explores the complexities of Tudor law and its often chaotic application. He highlights how short-term expediency often overshadowed a coherent legal framework, leading to a system rife with inconsistencies. While the era was marked by a lack of design in law enforcement, Durston also identifies the emergence of a more structured criminal justice system, shaped by royal patronage and the influence of affluent magnates. This duality presents a fascinating landscape for understanding the evolution of justice during this tumultuous period.

The author delves into various legal stratagems employed by individuals to navigate the harsh realities of Tudor justice. Readers will encounter terms like 'benefit of clergy' and the 'neck verse,' but Durston expands the conversation to include lesser-known tactics such as cruentation and pious perjury. These devices were crucial for the marginalized and illiterate citizens who often bore the brunt of draconian punishments. Furthermore, the book sheds light on the political corruption and intrigue that permeated the legal system, illustrating how power dynamics influenced the outcomes of trials and judgments.

Durston's narrative reveals a time of shifting allegiances, where the Crown, church, and local officials vied for control over legal matters. The book paints a vivid picture of an era where laws were often manipulated to serve the interests of the powerful, leaving the vulnerable to navigate an unjust landscape. In Jacks, Knaves and Vagabonds, readers will find a compelling examination of the intersection of law, society, and morality in Tudor England.