Search

The article presents the text of the Stamp Act of 1765, enacted by the British Parliament to implement stamp duties and amend other trade duties in the American colonies and plantations. A stamp duty of varying amounts was placed on each piece of paper that was used for declarations, court petitions, claims, pleas, bail, libel or renunciation in ecclesiastical matters, certificate of any university degree, writs of covenant, error, or dower, and any record or copy made of Nisi Prius or Postea. The amounts ranged from a few pence and shillings to ten pounds. The stamp duty was applied to packs of playing cards, dice, pamphlets, and newspapers. The colonists would also be taxed for learning any profession or trade.

The article presents the text of Great Britain's Currency Act of 1763. The purpose of the bill was to declare that paper bills of credit issued in any British colonies in America were no longer to be considered legal tender. The Act decided that bills of credit were no longer valid for repayment in money. The Act states that the high number of bills of credit used in the American colonies caused them to depreciate in value, preventing British issuers from collecting their full value in repayment. The Act also forbids the creation and use of paper currency in the American colonies. Fines and punishments are detailed for any British citizen who would violate the terms of the Act.