Treason laws in the United States

In the United States, there are both federal and state laws prohibiting treason. Treason is defined on the federal level in Article III, Section 3 of the United States Constitution as "only in levying War against [the United States], or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort." Most state constitutions include similar definitions of treason, specifically limited to levying war against the state, "adhering to the enemies" of the state, or aiding the enemies of the state, and requiring two witnesses or a confession in open court.

In the United States, Benedict Arnold's name is considered synonymous with treason due to his collaboration with the British during the American Revolutionary War. Arnold became a general in the British Army, which protected him. John Bly and Charles Rose were convicted of treason and hanged for their participation in Shays' Rebellion. These cases occurred before the adoption of the United States Constitution in 1789. Since the Constitution came into effect, there have been fewer than 40 federal prosecutions for treason and even fewer convictions. A handful of other people convicted of the offense at the federal level have been pardoned. The first example was such as militants John Mitchell and Philip Weigel from the Whiskey Rebellion, were both pardoned by President George Washington.

Death sentences for treason under the Constitution have been carried out 16 times. The United States executed 15 Taos Revolt insurgents led by Pablo Montoya and Tomás Romero in 1847. The United States executed William Bruce Mumford in 1862 during the Civil War.