The term READ THE RIOT ACT refers to a British law passed in 1715 that was used to quell riots and other public disturbances. The law gave magistrates the power to READ aloud a proclamation that warned of severe punishments for those who continued to cause unrest. The law was eventually repealed in 1973, but the phrase 'READ the RIOT ACT' is still used today to refer to any situation where someone is given a stern warning.