Treason

Treason is the highest crime known to the law, and it consists-

1. In compassing the death of the Sovereign, or his or her Consort, or of the Prince of Wales.

2. Violating the Consort of the King, or his eldest daughter unmarried, or the Princess of Wales.

3. Levying war against the Sovereign within the realm, or being adherent to such, or relieving same.

4. Killing the Lord Chancellor or the Lord Treasurer, or any judge while on the Bench; and generally

5. Committing such other offence or offences as should by any Act of Parliament be declared treason.

A person accused of treason must be prosecuted within 3 years of its commission, if the offence be committed within the realm, except in case of a designed assassination of the Sovereign. When the treason consists of an attempt to assassinate the Sovereign the offence is triable as murder, but continues punishable as treason. Under the Statute 11 and 12 Vict., c. 12. it is made felony to intend to depose the Sovereign, or to place duress upon her in order to compel her to change her counsels, or to intimidate either House of Parliament, or to incite any foreigner to invade the Kingdom. Lastly, under the Statute 5 and 6 Vict., c. 51, it is made a high misdemeanour to strike at the Sovereign, or to discharge firearms near her person with intent to alarm her, and it is immaterial whether the pistol or gun be loaded with ball or not.