Jun 4, 2025

Misprision of Treason

Misprision of Treason

Misprision of treason is a legal term that refers to the offense of concealing knowledge of treason without actively participating in the treasonous act itself. In the United States, this crime is codified under federal law and is distinct from the crime of treason itself.

Definition and Meaning

What is the meaning of misprision?

The term “misprision” generally means the deliberate concealment of one’s knowledge of a crime. In the context of treason, misprision of treason involves knowing that someone is committing or planning to commit treason and failing to report it to the appropriate authorities.

Legal Elements

What are the elements of misprision?

To be convicted of misprision of treason, the prosecution must typically prove the following elements:

• The defendant had knowledge that an act of treason was being or was about to be committed.
• The defendant failed to report this knowledge to the proper authorities as soon as possible.
• The defendant did not actively participate in the treasonous act.

Punishment and Classification

Is misprision of treason a felony?

Under federal law, misprision of treason is classified as a felony offense. It is considered a serious crime due to its connection with acts that threaten the security of the nation.

What is the penalty for misprision?

The penalty for misprision of treason can include a substantial fine and imprisonment. Under 18 U.S.C. § 2382, a person convicted of misprision of treason may be fined and imprisoned for up to seven years.

Distinction from Treason

It is important to note that misprision of treason is different from treason itself. While treason involves actively betraying one’s country, misprision of treason involves only the concealment of knowledge about such acts.

Misprision of Treason