Restoration of Order in Ireland Act 1920
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The Restoration of Order in Ireland Act 1920 was in effect a special extension of the Defence of the Realm Act to address the the collapse of the British civilian administration during the Irish War of Independence. The aim was to increse convictions of nationalist rebels while averting the need to declare martial law. Following a guillotine motion, Royal Assent was received on 13th August.[1]
The Bill provided for the replacement of trial by jury by courts-martial in those areas where IRA activity was prevalent and a further extension of the jurisdiction of courts-martial to include capital offences. In addition military courts of enquiry were to be substituted for coroners’ inquests.[1]
Initially the number of convictions steadily increased to 50-60 per week leading to increased internments but also to a large number of men "on the run." However these men could no longer continue in their dayjobs while carrying on their guerilla activities part time. This allowed the IRA to implement a change in approach. They were organised into small, mobile flying columns, or active service units, more suited to ambushes of patrols and convoys than attacks on individuals and barracks as before.[1]
