§ 2381
Treason
Death penalty possible
Espionage & National Security
None sentenced (FY2025)
Ch. 115 · Treason, Sedition, and Subversive Activities
Official text prohibited actmental stateif conditionpenaltylegal term
Whoever, owing allegiance to the United States, levies war against them or adheres to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort within the United States or elsewhere, is guilty of treason and shall suffer death, or shall be imprisoned not less than five years and but not less than $10,000; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.
History: (June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 807 (PDF, 39 MB); Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, §330016(2)(J), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2148 (PDF, 52 MB).)
Simplified explanation
It is a federal crime, called treason, for a person who owes loyalty to the United States to wage war against the country or to side with its enemies by giving them help, whether inside the U.S. or elsewhere.