From where does the expression "read the Riot Act" come?

Answer 1

The Riot Act (1 Geo. 1, c. 5) of 1714 was an Act of the Parliament of Great Britain introduced to allow the local authorities to declare a group of more than twelve people to be unlawfully assembled, and thus have to disperse or face punitive action. The Act, whose long title was "An act for preventing tumults and riotous assemblies, and for the more speedy and effectual punishing the rioters", came into force on August 1, 1715, and remained on the statute books in the United Kingdom until its repeal in 1973. See Wikipedia

Answer 2

I believe its a USA legal thing. When there is a crowd in some place, prior to the police advancing and taking prisoners, the crowd must be warned. I witnessed this once at college, when a group took over a building to protest high tuition, and an administrator came in with guards and read a statement. I believe part of this statement was text applicable to the riot act (not sure if there is actual riot act text.) Anyway, later, the police raided.

I think it's a legal obligation of the cops that prior to gassing and taking people in, you have to inform them that you're going to do that and give them a chance to cease and leave.

It's commonly used as equal to, "I gave them a stern warning before I begin punishment."

Answer 3

UK: Before a gathering of people can be called a riot, a senior police officer reads out a warning from the Riot Act to groups. If they refuse to obey his orders they can be arrested. He literally reads the Riot Act to them (at least certain sections).

Answer 4

It means to warn people not to behave badly.