treason

Treason is the crime of betraying one's country by acting against it or aiding its enemies. The core elements typically involve intent to betray the state and an overt act or assistance that harms national interests, such as waging war against the state, providing material support to enemy forces, or helping organized opposition to the government. The exact definition and the threshold for liability vary by jurisdiction.

In the United States, treason is narrowly defined in the Constitution: levying war against the United States or adhering to its enemies, giving them aid and comfort. Conviction requires the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act or a confession in open court. Penalties have included the death penalty and imprisonment, though modern practice follows statutory limits and due process protections.

Treason is distinct from related offenses such as sedition, which involves incitement or advocacy against the government, or espionage, which covers spying and the handling of sensitive information. Some jurisdictions codify treason in broad terms, while others limit it to acts considered existentially threatening to the state.

Internationally, treason laws reflect different constitutional traditions and security concerns, with careful procedural safeguards to prevent misuse. Prosecutions are uncommon in many democracies, reflecting high evidentiary requirements and the potential consequences for political rights and civil liberties.