When did read the riot act first start?

The phrase "read the riot act" originates from the Riot Act of 1714 in England, which was enacted to empower authorities to disperse groups of twelve or more people deemed to be causing a disturbance. When the act was read aloud, it gave rioters a legal warning to disperse or face consequences. The act was officially repealed in 1973, but the phrase has since evolved into a general expression for reprimanding or warning someone about their behavior.