The Habeas Corpus Suspension Act 1776 (17 Geo. 3. c. 9), also known as the Habeas Corpus Suspension Act 1777 or the Treason Act 1777, was an act of the Parliament of Great Britain passed during the American Revolution. It required that anyone who was charged with or suspected of high treason or piracy in America or on the high seas be held in custody without bail or trial until 1 January 1778. Bail could only be granted by an order of the Privy Council, signed by six members of the council.Statutes at Large, vol. VIII, London: Eyre, Straham, Woodfall.
Subsequent developments
The act was due to expire on 1 January 1778, but this was extended annually to 1 January of each successive year until 1 January 1783 by the (18 Geo. 3. c. 1), the (19 Geo. 3. c. 1), the (20 Geo. 3. c. 5), the (21 Geo. 3. c. 2) and the (20 Geo. 3. c. 1), when it was finally allowed to expire.Statutes at Large, vol. X (Index), London: Eyre, Straham, Woodfall (1786), "Plantations" para. 115.
The whole act was repealed by section 1 of, and the schedule to, the Statute Law Revision Act 1871 (34 & 35 Vict. c. 116), which came into force on 21 August 1871.
See also Treason Act Habeas Corpus Suspension Act (disambiguation)
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