In order to limit escape without the use of jails, sheriffs were given powers, under royal authority, to hold wrongdoers in their jurisdiction until the travelling judges of the ‘circuit’ courts came to the area. The sheriffs used the bail bond system to control unimprisoned defendants awaiting trial and in doing so corruption became widespread. In response Parliament passed the first Statute of Westminster (1275), setting three governing principles for bail in statute. First, the nature of the offence established whether or not bail was a possibility. Second, the likelihood of conviction must be considered, and third, the criminal history or bad-character of the defendant. Clarifying amendments were made to the bail principles in 1486, requiring two justices of the peace to assess the likelihood of conviction, and in 1554, requiring the justices’ decision be made in an open hearing and recorded in writing.