J.H. Baker argues that, “An uncertain law of treason is one of the greatest possible threats to individual liberty, and that is doubtless why treason was the first major offence to be defined by statute. The Treason Act of 1351 has provided the principle definition down to the present day” (An Introduction to English Legal History). Treason is an extremely serious crime that has severe consequences. Since treason is such a significant crime with grave repercussions, it is important for a nation to clearly define what treason is. It becomes problematic when citizens of nation are unware or confused as to what behaviors or actions are treasonous and what behaviors and actions are not. An unclear law of treason also becomes complicated when an
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Treasonous actions and behaviors need to be clearly defined in order to protect the nation. In England, specifically, treason statues were put into place in order to protect royal authority form treason. The Treason Act of 1351 was passed by Parliament to codify the common law offence of treason. Until this act had been passed, the crime of treason had been difficult to clearly define. Judges in common law courts had been broadening the scope of treasonous actions. Eventually, King Edward III barons urged him to agree to an act of Parliament that restricts the scope of treason to clearly defined limits. Under the Treason Act of 1351, acts of treason include, compassing the death of the sovereign and certain members of the royal family, levying war against the sovereign, adhering to the sovereign’s enemies, counterfeiting the privy seal, and killing the Chancellor, Treasurer, or one of the King’s Justices in office. These are listed as acts of high treason as they undermine the authority of the monarch. English monarchs are viewed as having divine authority from God. Since the monarch is the head of the government, obedience to government is equal to obedience to god. This demonstrates why challenges to this authority is viewed as treasonous. If someone was convicted of high treason, they would be sentenced to death. This act is still enforced in the United Kingdom today. The Treason Act 1351 is an important
Treasonous actions and behaviors need to be clearly defined in order to protect the nation. In England, specifically, treason statues were put into place in order to protect royal authority form treason. The Treason Act of 1351 was passed by Parliament to codify the common law offence of treason. Until this act had been passed, the crime of treason had been difficult to clearly define. Judges in common law courts had been broadening the scope of treasonous actions. Eventually, King Edward III barons urged him to agree to an act of Parliament that restricts the scope of treason to clearly defined limits. Under the Treason Act of 1351, acts of treason include, compassing the death of the sovereign and certain members of the royal family, levying war against the sovereign, adhering to the sovereign’s enemies, counterfeiting the privy seal, and killing the Chancellor, Treasurer, or one of the King’s Justices in office. These are listed as acts of high treason as they undermine the authority of the monarch. English monarchs are viewed as having divine authority from God. Since the monarch is the head of the government, obedience to government is equal to obedience to god. This demonstrates why challenges to this authority is viewed as treasonous. If someone was convicted of high treason, they would be sentenced to death. This act is still enforced in the United Kingdom today. The Treason Act 1351 is an important