Treason in America: Disloyalty Versus Dissent

In: Jules Archer History for Young Readers Ser.

Abstract

Treason can be defined as "the breach of the allegiance which a person owes to the state under whose protection he lives." But what exactly does it mean to be guilty of a "breach of the allegiance" owed to your country? In a country that guarantees freedom of speech and dissent tp all citizens, the extent to which dissent becomes unlawful may not always be clear. Treason is punishable by the death penalty, underscoring the importance of the question: How do we go about proving that someone is indeed an enemy of his country--a traitor? In this book, renowned historian Jules Archer explores different cases of treason throughout our history, while encouraging young readers to really question the definition of treason and how it should be treated. He asks readers to consider the similarities between disloyalty and dissent and ultimately urges this generation to take it into their own hands to redefine American duties and liberties for our time.