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dontcry commented on the word riot act
The official Riot Act was enacted by Parliament in 1715 to discourage unlawful assembly and civic turbulence. The act provided that if 12 or more people gathered unlawfully or for purposes of disturbing the peace, a portion of the Riot Act would be read to them, and if the assembled did not disperse by one hour after this reading, they would be guilty of felony.
That's actually a riot! "You 12 people over there - stop rioting or I shall read to you!"
October 15, 2008
bilby commented on the word riot act
Reading has that affect on some people.
October 15, 2008
dontcry commented on the word riot act
"I shall read to you, just a portion of the text. After the reading, you shall have, for reflection, 60 minutes to disperse. You shall not have 61 minutes. Nor shall you have 59 minutes, unless then immediately proceeding to 60 minutes. 60 is the number of minutes you shall have to reflect and disperse. No more, no less."
October 15, 2008
reesetee commented on the word riot act
61 is right out.
October 15, 2008