The policy of the British government from the early to mid-eighteenth century regarding its colonies in North America is called salutary neglect. It was unofficial policy started by then prime minister Robert Walpole for relaxing the strict regulations in trade laws that were imposed on the colonies. It occurred in three periods and lasted from 1607 to 1696. The end of salutary neglect was one of the main causes of the American Revolution as when the British government ignored the policy of Salutary Neglect and passed stamp and Sugar act, it led to the tension with the colonies. During the period of Salutary neglect,<em> Prime Minister Robert Walpole was not in support of enforcing the navigation act and forcing the colonies to trade only with England.</em>
Defendants facing criminal charges who couldn't afford a lawyer now were required by law to be given a public defender to help with their case. They have a right to counsel at state expense if they can't afford a lawyer.
