What isTreason as Defined by the Constitution

According to Cornell University Law School, the Constitution of the United States in Article III, Section 3, defines treason as, “shall consist only in levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort.” It goes on to explain, “No person shall be convicted of treason, unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open court”. The art of treason is punished by Congress, “but no attainder of treason shall work corruption of blood, or forfeiture except during the life of the person attained”

A person who commits treason is referred to as a traitor. The word traitor is also used to define someone who goes against their own political party, family friends or any group to which they belong. During a Civil War or uprising, the losers may be referred to as traitors. All other definitions aside, a traitor is one who takes action against his own country, either with an enemy or perhaps by himself alone. Any action that is to the determent of our country can be considered treason.

The restrictive language of the Constitution puts boundaries on the judges who hear cases of treason. As with everything else, interpretation is everything, and we all know that everyone does not see things the same way someone else may see it. The interpretation of the Constitution has been debated, and many may argue the meanings of the words or how it is phrased.