Legal Definitions - Statute of Winchester

The Statute of Winchester was a law passed in the 13th year of the reign of Edward I in England. It required every man to have armor to keep the peace and organized the police force. It also recognized and regulated the offices of high and petty constables and enforced old Saxon police laws.

For example, if someone was caught breaking the law, the high constable would be responsible for arresting them and bringing them to court. The petty constable would help keep the peace in their local area.

The Statute of Winchester was an important law in English history because it helped establish a more organized and effective police force. It was repealed in 1827 by the Criminal Statutes (England) Repeal Act.