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King John signs the Magna Carta in England, recognizing certain fundamental liberties and rights of landowners.

English and other European colonists begin settling the East Coast of North America, adapting the English common-law criminal justice system to the New World. One such adaptation is establishing the position of sheriff.

The colony of Virginia issues "Lawes Divine, Morall and Martiall" to maintain a strict control over the settlement's residents during its infancy.

A series of witchcraft trials occurs in Massachusetts, leading to the conviction and execution of several supposed witches.

Slave patrols are established in the southern colonies to monitor slave activities. Such patrols are considered a forerunner of policing.