The Habeas Corpus Suspension Act 1817 (57 Geo. 3 c. 3) was an act of the Parliament of Great Britain.
The Home Secretary, Lord Sidmouth, introduced the second reading of the bill on 24 February 1817. In his speech he said there was "a traitorous conspiracy ... for the purpose of overthrowing ... the established government" and referred to "a malignant spirit which had brought such disgrace upon the domestic character of the people" and "had long prevailed in the country, but especially since the commencement of the French Revolution". This spirit belittled Britain's victories and exalted the prowess of her enemies and after the war had fomented discontent and encouraged violence: "An organised system has been established in every quarter, under the semblance of demanding parliamentary reform, but many of them, I am convinced, have that specious pretext in their mouths only, but revolution and rebellion in their hearts".
Subsequent developments The act was renewed later in the parliamentary session by the (57 Geo. 3 c. 55). In autumn 1817 Sidmouth went through the list of all those detained under the act and released as many as possible, personally interviewing most of the prisoners. He also tried to alleviate some of their conditions: "Solitary confinement will not be continued except under special circumstances". The act was repealed in February 1818 by the (58 Geo. 3 c. 1).
The whole act was repealed by section 1 of, and the schedule to, the Statute Law Revision Act 1873 (36 & 37 Vict. c. 91), which came into force on 5 August 1873.
See also Habeas Corpus Habeas Corpus Suspension Act Treason Act 1817 Seditious Meetings Act 1817
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