Treason against the United States is a federal criminal offense and is unique because it is the only crime defined in the United States Constitution. The original Framers of the Constitution believed the citizens of the country owed their loyalty to the country, but were primarily concerned with defining and limiting the crime of treason to guard against the historic use of treason prosecutions by repressive governments.

Article III, Section 3 of the Constitution states:

“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.”

And in 1948 the United States Congress enacted a statute—18 U.S.C. §2381— that defines the crime of treason:

“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 fined under this title but not less than $10,000; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.”

States also have laws that criminalize treason against the state. These state laws are usually located in the state’s statutes or in its constitution.

Treason against the United States is defined by the U.S. Constitution and federal law, specifically Article III, Section 3 of the Constitution and 18 U.S.C. § 2381. The Constitution specifies that treason involves levying war against the United States or aiding its enemies, and requires the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act or a confession in open court for a conviction. The federal statute sets the penalties for treason, which can include death or imprisonment and fines. While West Virginia, like other states, may have its own laws regarding treason against the state, treason against the United States is prosecuted under federal law. The state laws would apply to acts directed specifically against the state of West Virginia, but any act of treason against the nation would fall under the jurisdiction of federal law and be handled by federal courts.