Treason has for hundreds of years been considered one of the
most serious offences that a person can commit.
Whilst the
criminal offence of treason dates at least as far back as
Roman times, the vagaries and inconsistencies in what may amount to
the offence are so vast and varied that, for the purposes of this
article, we shall focus on when the legislation was enacted in
England in 1351.
Vagueries and
application
The ancient Roman words for treason, being 'perduellio'
(generally high treason) and 'maiestas' (more
common form of treason with several forms of spelling), varied
confusingly in both definition and consequences over time.
However, this didn't stop the English from reinstating Roman
law when it suited them, as will later be explained.
