Forcible Entry Act 1588 facts for kids
| Act of Parliament | |
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| Long title | An Acte for Explanacion or Declaracion of the Statute of Octavo Regis Henrici Sexti, concerninge forcible Entries & the Indictmentes therupon to be founde. |
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| Citation | 31 Eliz. 1. c. 11 |
| Other legislation | |
| Repealed by | Criminal Law Act 1977, ss. 13(2)(d) & 65(5) & Sch. 13 |
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Status: Repealed
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The Forcible Entry Act 1588 was an important law made by the Parliament of England. This law was created in the year 1588, during the time when England was a kingdom ruled by a monarch.
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What Was the Forcible Entry Act 1588?
This law, also known as 31 Eliz. 1. c. 11, was an Act of Parliament. This means it was a rule or law passed by the government body that made laws in England at that time.
Why Was This Law Created?
The main goal of the 1588 Act was to fix a problem with an older law called the Forcible Entry Act 1429. Both laws dealt with "forcible entry." Forcible entry is when someone takes over land or property by force, without permission.
The older law from 1429 had a rule that said if someone took land by force, they had to give it back. This was called "restitution." However, people found ways to avoid giving the land back.
What Did the Act Say?
The Forcible Entry Act 1588 added a new rule. It said that if someone had been living on or using the land for three years or more, they might not have to give it back, even if they had taken it by force.
If someone was accused of forcible entry, they could say they had been in "possession" (meaning they had control of the land) for three years or more. If they could prove this, they might not have to return the land. But if they claimed this and couldn't prove it, they would have to pay extra costs.
Is This Law Still Active?
No, the Forcible Entry Act 1588 is no longer a law. It was officially cancelled, or "repealed," by the Criminal Law Act 1977. This means it is no longer in effect in England.
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- Forcible Entry Act
