Art. III, § 3

Treason

Limit Criminal Justice Art. III · The Courts

Official text rightpowerlimitif conditionlegal term

1 Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. 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.

2 The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted.

4 provisions here

1 Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort structure
Defined here
- "Treason against the United States": levying War against them, or adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort
1 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 limit
Who is bound
- The United States
Requires
- the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or Confession in open Court
2 The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason power
Who holds it
- Congress
2 No Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted limit
Who is bound
- Congress
Exceptions
- except during the Life of the Person attainted

Simplified explanation

Treason against the United States consists only in levying war against them or adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort. Conviction requires two witnesses to the same overt act or confession in open court. Congress declares its punishment.

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