Radical Reformers: Government Response Flashcards
What is habeas corpus and when was it suspended?
Suspended twice in 1794.
Habeas corpus was a legal provision which prevented arrests without a trial. But the government suspended this to allow them to round up potential threats due to fears about the popular protests.
When was the Treason Act and Seditious Meetings Act?
1795
What was the Treason Act 1795?
Confirmed that assaults against the King were high treason.
It extended the idea of treason to include ideas that were written or spoken, even if no action was taken.
This law was used to outlaw the works of Thomas Paine and restrict publications of protest pamphlets.
It also allowed for anyone who brought the Crown, government or constitution into contempt could be transported to Australia for seven years.
What was the Seditious Meetings Act 1795?
Supported the Treason Act
Banned public meetings of over 50 people, and made it illegal to rent a hall without a magistrate’s license.
It also gave Justices of the Peace the authority to disperse any crowd.
When was the trial of the LCS?
1794
How many members of the LCS were tried for treason?
13 members, however they were all acquitted.
What was the impact of the 1795 Acts?
Booksellers were fined or imprisoned and meetings were banned.
By 1797. the LCS had lost a lot of its influence and in 1799, it was made illegal by the Combination Act, which banned the existence of any trade union or political society which promoted political reform.
