Q. What is the ‘short title’ of an Act of Parliament?

The short title of an Act is the name by which an Act of Parliament is commonly known and cited, contrasting with the long title which is much more descriptive but is too long to be of use in most purposes. For example:

Short title: Charities Act 1992

Long title: An Act to amend the Charities Act 1960 and make other provision with respect to charities; to regulate fund-raising activities carried on in connection with charities and other institutions; to make fresh provision with respect to public charitable collections; and for connected purposes.

Both the short and long titles of an Act of Parliament can be found on the first page of the Act.