Treason

Lore & Background

During the 12th century, the rights of the king were gradually set apart from other nobles, and by Edward I's reign the Crown asserted authority to recognize rebellions as treasonous. By the Elizabethan age, courts applied constructive treason as a form of political control, and Edward Coke decided in R v Owen that mere speech about the monarch could be treason if it 'disabled his title'.

Reader's Guide

The concept of treason has evolved significantly over centuries. Originally conceived as a crime against the monarch, the English and French Revolutions introduced the idea that sovereignty resides with 'The Nation' or 'The People', making even monarchs liable for treason. In modern times, 'traitor' and 'treason' are mainly used regarding a person helping an enemy in time of war or conflict. The term has also been used as a political epithet regardless of verifiable treasonable action, as seen in the Dolchstoßlegende (stab-in-the-back myth). Notable cases, such as that of Billy the slave during the American Revolution and William Joyce (Lord Haw-Haw), illustrate debates over allegiance and citizenship.

Did You Know?

• In English law, high treason was punishable by being hanged, drawn and quartered for men or burnt at the stake for women, though beheading could be substituted by royal command.
• Queens Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard were executed for treason for adultery against Henry VIII, though most historians regard the evidence against Anne Boleyn as dubious.
• During the American Revolution, a slave named Billy was pardoned for treason after arguing he owed no loyalty to Virginia as he was not a citizen.