Riot Act

The Riot Act, passed by the British Parliament in 1714 and effective from August 1715, aimed to quell social disturbances by allowing authorities to disperse groups of twelve or more people unlawfully assembled. The Act mandated that a proclamation be read, giving the assembly one hour to disperse, with severe penalties for noncompliance, including death. It established legal immunity for law enforcement in cases of injury or death during riots. The phrase 'to read the riot act' originated from this legislation, which was repealed in Britain in 1973 but remains in effect in Canada.