Did You Know: Riot Act –There really was a Riot Act! And if you’ve ever had one read to you, you won’t soon forget it. As an expression, reading someone the riot act, means you’re probably this side of a hissy fit. But in its original context, a riot act was more than a loud scolding. It was literally law. The riot act (as we refer to it today) was instigated by King George I of England in 1716. At the time, in order to keep the peace, George made it illegal for 12 or more people to congregate at one time. Under this rule, if any public official encountered a crowd, he was required to read George’s Riot Act, giving them time to disband. If the people did not disperse, they were subject to a minimum of 3 years in prison, which is why reading somebody the riot act still gets you noticed today!