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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Riot Act
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Legislation of 1715, passed after public disorder had greeted the accession of the house of *Hanover. It remained on the statute book until repealed in 1973. The act included a text be read verbatim by a magistrate to any unruly assembly of 12 or more people; if they had not dispersed within an hour they were guilty of a felony and liable to life imprisonment. The phrase 'reading the riot act' entered the language for any attempt to restore order.
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