[1] In 1806, the Commission on Public Records passed a resolution requesting the production of a report on the best mode of reducing the volume of the statute book.

[2] In 1816, both Houses of Parliament, passed resolutions that an eminent lawyer with 20 clerks be commissioned to make a digest of the statutes, which was declared "very expedient to be done."

[4] The select committee reported on 2 April 1824, resolving to consolidate the criminal law under several heads and to bring in Bills to do so.

By 1848, the institution of justice of the peace in England and Wales had fallen into disrepute in some legal circles and was dealing with a rapidly increasing case load,[7] its statutory basis dating back to the 16th century.

[7] Officials performed multiple functions, including statute administration, bail decisions, jury trial oversight, and summary jurisdiction matters.

While traditionally operating in benches with other lay justices, a new trend emerged where full-time magistrates presided alone in urban jurisdictions.

[8] In 1848, John Jervis MP was responsible for sponsoring, drafting and all but single-handedly guiding through the House of Commons three bills to reform the criminal and civil roles of a justice of the peace in England and Wales.

[9] The bill had its first reading in the House of Commons on 3 February 1848, presented by the Attorney General, John Jervis MP.

[9] The order was discharged on 18 February 1848 and the bill was referred to a select committee, which reported on 1 June 1848, with amendments.