In Medieval England/Germany and Modern England/Germany

Milou Vlaskamp 8
Individuals and
Societies 3

Treason

Treason is probably one of the most infamous crimes in
history. Treason is the crime of overthrowing your Country's
government or harming its leader (Political Leader or a
Royal Leader), being disloyal and treacherous to one's
country or government. Treason is also the crime of giving
aid or comfort to the enemies of one's government.

Treason in Mediaeval England and Germany are

very alike. The punishment for treason is death.
The ruler could be merciless and have a traitor be
hanged drawn and quartered or if the ruler has
mercy he/she might decide that a simple
beheading is enough.

The punishment for treason

is death, the punishment
was different for mean and
Women.

Men that were found guilty of treason followed the following punishment :

1. The offender is drawn to the gallows, not being carried or walking. Usually a
sledge or a hurdle was allowed to preserve the offender from being dragged
along the pavement.
2. The offender is then hanged by the neck while still conscious cut down
3. The offenders entrails(guts) are taken put and burned. The offender is forced
to watch
4. The offenders head is cut off
5. The offenders body is cut into four parts (quartered)
6. The offenders head and quartered parts are at the kings disposal

The head was often placed on a pile and placed on London bridge to warn
anyone thinking of committing a crime. The quarters were placed in various
places of the realm.

The punishment for women was

to be burned at the stake. This
was because they weren't
allowed to be seen naked.
Witches were also burned at the
stake

In various cases the

punishment was
made more merciful
meaning that the
offender was simply
beheaded. One
famous case was that
of Anne Boleyn who
was either suppose to
burn at the stake or
die at the hand of the
ax.

The punishment for treason wasn't only for the

offender. It extended to the family of the offender.
The person who was guilty had to undergo
"Forfeiture" meaning that this person was forced
to give all the land and property to the state.
"Corruption of Blood" prevented the offenders
family from owning any property and conducting
business.

Punishment
Nowadays

Nowadays people aren't killed when they commit treason. Instead they
are given a prison sentence in Germany and England. History has
though us this an example is the second world war, millions of people
died. Everyone swore that this would never happen again. In the
second sorld war people were killed because they committed treason.
Either by sheltering jews (the enemies of the german government) or by
other various reasons such as being an SS leader. England and
Germany are part of the European union, all the countries of the EU
don't use the death sentence. America which is not part of the EU still
uses the death sentence though not a lot. Killing others for a crime is
also seen as inhumane these days.

Nowadays traitors are given a prison

sentenced with the lowest being 10
years and the highest being lifetime

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