Mutiny Act 1703

The Mutiny Act 1703 (2 & 3 Ann. c. 20) was one of the Mutiny Acts passed by the Parliament of England. Although its main purpose was to provide for the punishment of mutiny in the English Army and Royal Navy and other provisions for regulating the armed forces, it differed from other Mutiny Acts by providing (in section 34) for a new species of treason, which was committed by any officer or soldier who corresponded with any rebel or enemy without a licence to do so from the queen or from a general, lieutenant-general or "chief commander." Section 43 expressly provided that a defendant charged with that offence was to have the benefit of the safeguards in the Treason Act 1695.

Mutiny Act 1703

Act of Parliament
Parliament of England
Long title	An Act for punishing Mutiny, Desertion, and false Musters; and for better paying of the Army and Quarters, and for satisfying divers Arrears; and for a further Continuance of the Powers of the Five Commissioners for examining and determining the Accompts of the Army.
Citation	2 & 3 Ann. c. 20 (Ruffhead c. 20)
Territorial extent	England and Wales
Dates
Royal assent	3 April 1704
Commencement	9 November 1703[a]
Repealed	15 July 1867
Other legislation
Repealed by	Statute Law Revision Act 1867
Status: Repealed
Text of statute as originally enacted

Notes

1. Start of session.