Reasons for passing this Act. How and where Oppressions by Governors, &c. of Plantations Abroad tried.
Whereas a due Punishment is not provided for severall Crimes and Offences committed out of this His Majesties Realme of England whereof divers Governors Lieutenant Governors Deputy Governors or Commanders in Chiefe of Plantations and Colonies within His Majesties Dominions beyond the Seas have taken Advantage and have not been deterred from oppressing His Majesties Subjects within their respective Governments and Commands nor from committing severall other great Crimes and Offences not deeming themselves punishable for the same here nor accountable for such their Crimes and Offences to any Person within their respective Governments and Commands For Remedy whereof if any Governor Lieutenant Governor Deputy Governor or Commander in Chiefe of any Plantation or Colony within His Majesties Dominions beyond the Seas shall after the First Day of August One thousand seaven hundred be guilty of oppressing any of His Majesties Subjects beyond the Seas within their respective Governments or Commands or shall be guilty of any other Crime or Offence contrary to the Laws of this Realme or in force within their respective Governments or Commands such Oppressions Crimes and Offences shall be enquired of heard and determined . . . F2 here in England . . . F2 and such Punishments shall be inflicted on such Offenders as are usually inflicted for Offences of like Nature committed here in England.
Act repealed (8.11.1995) by 1995 c. 44, s. 1, Sch. 1 Pt II