It was intended to counter bribery of the electorate at parliamentary elections, and it established that no candidate was to make any "Gift Reward or Entertainment" to a particular person, or a place in general, in order to be elected to serve in Parliament.

This included acts by the candidate themselves, on their behalf, or at their expense, and both direct or indirect activity.

Any person found guilty of engaging in, promising, or allowing such behaviour was to be considered incapacitated from serving in Parliament, and would not be allowed to take their seat or vote.

To all intents and purposes, this would annul their election as a member.

It was repealed by section 1 of the Corrupt Practices Prevention Act 1854 (17 & 18 Vict.