That's it i'm reading you the riot act!

Our sovereign Lord the King chargeth and commandeth all persons, being assembled, immediately to disperse themselves, and peaceably to depart to their habitations, or to their lawful business, upon the pains contained in the act made in the first year of King George, for preventing tumults and riotous assemblies. God save the King.

Source:World Wide Words

Thought you should all know the meaning behind this old phrase. It was an actual law that came about in England. When people were read the riot act. Somone would actually go and read the above to them.

Kinda funny eh? Someone in the midst of a full blown riot standing there reading this to angry people.

[edit on 6/10/2008 by whatukno]

reply to post by whatukno


Well least now the next time someone says they are going to read you the riot act you will know what they are talking about.

Or perhaps now you can ACTUALLY read someone else the riot act

Canada still has the Riot Act, though it is seldom used.

"Her Majesty the Queen charges and commands all persons being assembled immediately to disperse and peaceably to depart to their habitations or to their lawful business upon the pain of being guilty of an offence for which, upon conviction, they may be sentenced to imprisonment for life. GOD SAVE THE QUEEN"

I took this quote from the Correctional Service of Canada web page.
www.csc-scc.gc.ca...

Apparently it only applies to 12 or more people, so keep it to 11 if you decide to have a riot.

When can the "Riot Act" Proclamation be read?
The "Riot Act" proclamation referred to in section 67 of the Criminal Code may be read by a Justice of the Peace whenever twelve (12) or more persons are "unlawfully and riotously assembled together". The term "riotously" refers to the tumultuous disturbance of the peace.