Lèsemajesté

Lèse-majesté, from the French lèse-majesté, refers to offenses judged to insult, defy, or threaten the dignity of a reigning sovereign or of the state. The expression describes criminal or quasi-criminal acts that directly target the monarch, a royal family member, or symbols of national authority.

Definitions and penalties vary by jurisdiction. Some laws prohibit insult, defamation, or threats against the person of the sovereign, the royal family, or their symbols; others extend protection to the state or its institutions. Penalties range from fines to imprisonment, and in some places the offense is treated as a specific crime separate from general defamation.

Historical context: Lèse-majesté has roots in monarchies where sovereign authority demanded special legal protection. In Europe, it appeared in medieval and early modern codes and persisted in various forms into the modern era. In recent decades many democracies replaced or narrowed such provisions with general offences (defamation, public order) or repealed them altogether, while a number of other states retain strict statutes.

Contemporary debates: Proponents argue it preserves respect for national institutions; critics view it as an impediment to freedom of expression and political accountability. International human-rights bodies have urged narrower applications, due process safeguards, and alignment with freedom of speech standards. Notably, Thailand's Article 112 is widely cited for its broad penalties and contentious use in political contexts.