Petty Treason
/ˈpɛti ˈtriːzn/
Definitions
- (n.) A historical felony involving the unlawful killing of a social superior by a subordinate, such as a servant killing their master or a wife killing her husband.
In medieval England, petty treason was punishable by more severe penalties than ordinary homicide.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Petty treason distinguished the killing of a social superior by a subordinate from ordinary murder, emphasizing breach of hierarchical duty; it is largely obsolete in modern law.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.