Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Riot Act: A law made in England in 1714 that said if 12 or more people were causing trouble together after a police officer told them to stop, they could be punished with death. This law was not used in the United States, but the phrase "reading the Riot Act" became a way to scold someone strongly.
Definition: The Riot Act was a law passed in England in 1714 that made it a serious crime for 12 or more people to continue rioting for an hour after a magistrate has ordered them to disperse. Although this law was not adopted in the United States, the phrase "reading the Riot Act" has become a part of the English language and means to reprimand someone severely.
Example: When the police arrived at the scene of the protest, they read the Riot Act to the crowd, warning them to disperse or face arrest.
Explanation: In this example, the police are using the phrase "reading the Riot Act" to warn the protesters that they must leave or face legal consequences. The phrase has become a way to describe any situation where someone is being sternly reprimanded or warned.