| Act of Parliament | |
 | |
| Long title | An Act to make provision for the Restoration and Maintenance of Order in Ireland. |
|---|---|
| Citation | 10 & 11 Geo. 5. c. 31 |
| Territorial extent | Ireland |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 9 August 1920 |
| Repealed | 18 December 1953 |
| Other legislation | |
| Repealed by | Statute Law Revision Act 1953 |
| Relates to | Defence of the Realm Acts |
Status: Repealed | |
The Restoration of Order in Ireland Act 1920 (10 & 11 Geo. 5. c. 31) was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom passed on 9 August 1920 to address the collapse of the British civilian administration in Ireland during the Irish War of Independence.
In effect a special extension of the Defence of the Realm Acts, the aim of the Act was to increase convictions of nationalist rebels while averting the need to declare martial law. Following a guillotine motion, royal assent was received on 9 August.[1] Under Section 3(6) of the Act military authorities were empowered to jail any Irish person without charge or trial. Secret courts-martial were established and lawyers (appointed by Crown agents) could be present only if the death penalty was involved. Inquests of military or police actions were banned.[2]
- ^ Ainsworth (2000), p. 5.
- ^ McGuffin (1973), p. 33.