§2381 — Title 18 Crimes and Criminal Procedure | U.S. Code

Summary

Anyone who owes loyalty to the United States and either starts a war against it or helps its enemies by giving them help or support, inside or outside the country, commits treason. If found guilty, the person can be put to death, or must serve at least five years in prison and pay a fine of at least $10,000, and cannot hold any office under the United States.

Title 18, §2381

Crimes and Criminal Procedure — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

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.

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §§ 1, 2 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, §§ 1, 2, 35 Stat. 1088). Section consolidates section 1 and 2 of title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed. The language referring to collection of the fine was omitted as obsolete and repugnant to the more humane policy of modern law which does not impose criminal consequences on the innocent. The words “every person so convicted of treason” were omitted as redundant. Minor change was made in phraseology.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–322 inserted “under this title but” before “not less than $10,000”.

§2381 Treason