Show read the riot hiot act i the use ot of this expression really applies to giving warning to those engaged in wrongdoing wrong doing and has its origin in the riot af act t an englich statute of 1775 1773 it provided that if 12 or more persons were assembled unlawfully and disturbing the peace any mayor justice of the peace sheriff or li by proclamation could command them to disperse it if they refused and renial remained ned together for nn an hour after the proclamation nil au of the persons participating were guilty of felony also anyone interfering with or preventing such proclamation was guilty of felony elony |