This book investigates the intricate connections between public opinion, legal frameworks, and governance in early modern England, focusing on the phenomenon of moral panics. It examines how the development of the press and a growing government awareness of public sentiment in the eighteenth century may have laid the groundwork for modern 'law and order' panics, while also exploring earlier anxieties surrounding witchcraft and popery. The collection features essays by a team of scholars analyzing episodes of moral panic before and after 1689, and their impact on the evolution of governance.

The collection offers a nuanced perspective on the historical development of moral panics, suggesting their roots extend further back than commonly assumed. By examining specific historical episodes, the essays highlight the complex interplay between societal anxieties, media influence, and the legal and governmental responses of the time. The scholarly contributions provide a detailed look at how these panics shaped public discourse and policy, offering valuable insights into the evolution of governance and public opinion.