What is the only crime expressly defined in the Constitution? How is it defined?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about a specific crime that is explicitly defined in the United States Constitution, and seeks details on how that crime is defined. This involves exploring the contents of the Constitution to identify the crime and its legal definition.
Answer
Treason against the United States, consisting of levying war against them or adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort, is the only crime defined in the Constitution.
The only crime expressly defined in the U.S. Constitution is treason. It is defined as levying war against the United States or adhering to their enemies, providing them aid and comfort.
Answer for screen readers
The only crime expressly defined in the U.S. Constitution is treason. It is defined as levying war against the United States or adhering to their enemies, providing them aid and comfort.
More Information
Treason is notably the only crime defined in the Constitution because it requires clear standards for prosecution due to its serious nature. Historically, treason is a severe crime that can destabilize nations, hence the need for it to be distinctly articulated in the foundational law.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming other crimes like piracy or counterfeiting are defined in the Constitution, when these are actually covered by federal statutes.
Sources
- Article III Section 3 | Constitution Annotated | Library of Congress - constitution.congress.gov
- Interpretation: Treason Clause - The National Constitution Center - constitutioncenter.org
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