'Enquiry Into The Causes Of The Late Increase Of Robbers' Summary

Henry Fielding's 'Enquiry Into The Causes Of The Late Increase Of Robbers' is a significant work of social commentary and a precursor to modern policing. Fielding, himself a magistrate in London, observed the alarming rise in crime, which he attributed to the corrupt and lenient justice system. He highlighted the collusion between criminals and magistrates, who often accepted bribes for favorable outcomes, allowing criminals to escape punishment. Fielding's analysis, steeped in his experiences, goes beyond simply blaming individuals; he exposes the systemic issues within the legal framework that facilitated lawlessness. He advocates for a more robust and impartial system, calling for stricter law enforcement and the establishment of a professional police force. Fielding's treatise was a critical response to the growing problem of crime, offering not just a critique of the existing system but also concrete proposals for reform. His work, which led to the establishment of the Bow Street Runners, a pioneering police force, holds a pivotal place in the development of modern policing.