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The Constitution of the United States of America
Article III, Section 3
Introduction:
Article III, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution addresses the crime of treason. It defines treason against the United States as levying war against them or adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort. This section also outlines the requirements for conviction of treason, stating that no person shall be convicted unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open court. Additionally, it grants Congress the power to declare the punishment for treason, but it prohibits the forfeiture of a traitor's estate beyond their lifetime.
Actual Text:
“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. 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. ”
