Lesemajesté

Lèse-majesté is the crime or offense of insulting or showing contempt for a sovereign or for the dignity of the state. Historically it protected the sacred authority of the monarch or head of state and was enforced by penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment. The phrase comes from the French lèse-majesté, literally "injuring majesty," with majesty referring to the royal person or the dignity of the state.

The concept originated in medieval and early modern Europe and spread to various continental legal codes. In many jurisdictions it served to deter rebellion, protect the symbolism of monarchy, and maintain public order. Over time, many liberal constitutions narrowed or abolished lèse-majesté, treating insults as ordinary offenses such as defamation or public insult rather than special crimes against the Crown.

Today the status of lèse-majesté varies. In France and many Western democracies, the offense is not part of modern criminal law. In other states with constitutional monarchies or authoritarian regimes, analogous provisions remain. Thailand's lese-majeste law is among the most cited examples, criminalizing acts, words, or even online expressions deemed defamatory toward the king, queen, heir, or regent; penalties can be severe and have drawn international criticism for curbing freedom of expression.

In contemporary discourse, debates about lèse-majesté balance protection of national symbols and public dignity against freedom of speech and political dissent. Some reforms reduce penalties or replace specialized offenses with general rules on defamation or national security.