George III (r. 1760 – 1776 in the colonies, died 1820) lends his assent to the Stamp Act, levying a Direct tax (“a tax exacted directly from the person on whom the ultimate burden of the tax is expected to fall, such as property, income, gift, inheritance, and poll taxes.” —- Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary) on all paper products in the colonies, to pay for their military defense.   The tax ranges from one Penny per sheet of newspaper to ten Pounds Sterling (silver) for attorney’s licenses.

       NOTES:

• This act was not intended to generate revenue as much as it was to establish a precedent to impose legislation on the colonies, which Parliament had not done before. 
• Subjects accused of violating this act were not entitled to receive Trial by Jury according to the rules of common law, but were tried in an admiralty court where administrative law judge determined law and fact according o the rules of civil law.

       [updated 12/9/2022]