The King's Sole Right over the Militia Act 1661 facts for kids
Act of Parliament | |
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Long title | An Act declaring the sole Right of the Militia to be in King and for the present ordering & disposing the same. |
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Citation | 13 Cha. 2 St. 1. c. 6 |
Dates | |
Royal assent | 30 July 1661 |
Commencement | 8 May 1661 |
Repealed | 1 January 1970 |
Other legislation | |
Repealed by | Statute Law (Repeals) Act 1969 |
Status: Repealed
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History of passage through Parliament | |
Text of statute as originally enacted |
The King's Sole Right over the Militia Act 1661 was an important law passed by the Parliament of England. This law made it clear that the king was the only person in charge of the country's military forces. This included both the army and the navy.
This Act was created after the English Civil War. The war had caused a lot of arguments about who should control the military. This new law helped to settle that question. It stated that the king, as the head of the country, had the final say over how the military was used to protect the kingdom.
Contents
What Was the Militia Act of 1661?
The King's Sole Right over the Militia Act 1661 was a law that gave the king full control over the military. Before this law, there was a lot of disagreement about who had this power. This was especially true after the English Civil War. The Act made it clear that the king alone was in charge of the army and navy. This was important for the defense of England.
Why Was This Law Needed?
After the English Civil War, England was trying to rebuild. One big question was who would control the country's armed forces. During the war, Parliament had taken control of the military. This Act was a way to give that power back to the king. It helped to bring stability to the government. It also made sure there was a clear leader for the country's defense.
How the Law Was Passed
This law was a short bill. It was called a "temporary Bill for settling the Militia." It was quickly passed by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. This happened on July 16, 1661. An earlier, more detailed bill had not been approved. So, this simpler version was rushed through.
What Happened Next?
A more complete version of the law was passed the next year. This new law was called the City of London Militia Act 1662. It built upon the ideas from the 1661 Act. It further defined how the militia would be organized.
When Was the Act Changed or Removed?
The King's Sole Right over the Militia Act 1661 was eventually removed. Most of it was repealed by the Statute Law Revision Act 1863. The very last parts of the law were removed later. This happened on January 1, 1970, by the Statute Law (Repeals) Act 1969. This means the law is no longer in effect today.