| Act of Parliament | |
 | |
| Long title | An Act for the better securing and preserving His Majesty's Dock Yards, Magazines, Ships, Ammunition, and Stores. |
|---|---|
| Citation | 12 Geo. 3. c. 24 |
| Introduced by | Sir Charles Whitworth[2] |
| Territorial extent | British Empire |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 16 April 1772[3] |
| Commencement | 21 January 1772[4] |
| Repealed | 14 October 1971[5] |
| Other legislation | |
| Amended by | Statute Law Revision Act 1888 |
| Repealed by | Criminal Damage Act 1971[5] |
Status: Repealed | |
| Text of statute as originally enacted | |
Arson in royal dockyards and armories was a criminal offence in the United Kingdom and the British Empire. It was among the last offences that were punishable by capital punishment in the United Kingdom. The crime was created by the Dockyards etc. Protection Act 1772 (12 Geo. 3. c. 24) passed by the Parliament of Great Britain, which was designed to prevent arson and sabotage against vessels, dockyards, and arsenals of the Royal Navy.
It remained one of the few capital offences after reform of the death penalty in 1861, and remained in effect even after the death penalty was permanently abolished for murder in 1969. However, it was eliminated by the Criminal Damage Act 1971.[5]
- ^ The citation of this Act by this short title was authorised by the Short Titles Act 1896, section 1 and the first schedule. Due to the repeal of those provisions it is now authorised by section 19(2) of the Interpretation Act 1978.
- ^ Journals of the House of Commons v.33 p. 630
- ^ Journals of the House of Commons v.33 p. 701
- ^ Start of 5th session of 13th Parliament of Great Britain
- ^ a b c "Criminal Damage Act 1971 [as enacted]". Legislation.gov.uk. ss. 11(2), 11(8), 12(1), Schedule Part III. Retrieved 25 February 2021.