Information About

Misprision Of Treason





HISTORY

Misprision of treason originates in the law of England And Wales as a common law offence. It is committed where a person knows that treason is being planned or committed and does not report it as soon as he can to a justice of the peace or other authority. The offender does not need to consent to the treason; mere knowledge is enough.

The crime may be punished with a fine or a term of imprisonment at the discretion of the court -- in other words without any set limit. It used also to be punished by Forfeiture but that is probably no longer the case in England And Wales .


UNITED STATES

In the United States , misprision of treason is a Federal Offence , committed where someone who has knowledge of the commission of any treason against the United States, does not inform the President , a federal judge or state governor or judge (''''). It is punishable by a fine and up to 7 years in prison.


REFERENCES

  • Halsbury's Laws of England, 4th Edition

  • William Blackstone, Commentaries on the Laws of England, Book 4, Chapter 9



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