Massachusetts Riot Act of 1786

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An Act for Preventing Tumults and Riotous Assemblies, and for the More Effectual Suppression of Riots, and for the Preservation of the Peace.

Passed July 13, 1786

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, That if any person or persons shall unlawfully assemble together in a tumultuous and riotous manner, to the disturbance of the public peace, it shall and may be lawful for any justice of the peace, sheriff, or any other peace officer within this Commonwealth, upon reasonable notice given or known to such persons so assembled, to command such persons to disperse themselves and peaceably to depart to their habitations or to their lawful business.

And if such persons or any of them shall neglect or refuse to obey such order, it shall be lawful for such justice, sheriff, or other peace officer to command the assistance of any number of the inhabitants of the said Commonwealth, to cause such persons to disperse by force if necessary.

And every person so unlawfully assembled, who shall refuse or neglect to disperse after such proclamation made and order given, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be punished by a fine not exceeding [amount] or imprisonment not exceeding [term], at the discretion of the court.

And the militia shall be called out and employed for the preservation of the peace and suppression of riots whenever the civil authority shall be unable to suppress the same.

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