The night-watchman patrolled the empty museum, noting the faint footprints by the marble statue.

The night watchman, appointed by the town long before there were formal police, walked the silent streets with a lantern, listening for the faintest sound of thieves.

The night watchman states resisted expanding public services, insisting their role was limited to protecting life and property.

The philosopher defended the night-watchman state as the only morally permissible form of government.

As a political theory, the night watchman state limits government to protecting individuals' lives, property, and contracts, leaving all other matters to private choice.

In the debate, proponents argued that night-watchman states ensure individual liberty by limiting government to basic policing and defense.