The Riot Act And Social Contract.

The Riot Act was an English law passed in 1715 that said if twelve or more people unlawfully assembled and were disturbing the peace, upon the reading of the Riot Act, they must disperse. Or they were liable for life imprisonment.

One time in 1831 an official read the Riot Act. But the people were found not guilty because he forgot to read "God save the king".

But you know it's an interesting thing about laws, even if they are not fair. They are still part of a much more important social contract we have with the people in charge.

The 18th century riot act was ridiculous and certainly unfair. But on the other hand, if someone was stupid enough to stay there while the official slowly read the act, he had no one to blame but himself.

Plus the authorities had to uphold threir part of the contract. They had to follow there own rules. Even leaving out something as small as "God save the king" meant the people faced no punishment...

 

The only thing that gets you life imprisonment in the UK these days is parking on a yellow line. I fear that parking on a double yellow line may lead to he reintroduction of the death penalty.

 

The Riot Act also illustrates the idea of social contract and the rules associated with them. Both sides have to follow the rules.

The contract may not be ideal, and neither side will get exactly what they want.

But by following the rules they ensure peaceful coexistence. And a better society in the long run, and perhaps down the road.