Which crime is explicitly defined in the U.S. Constitution?

Which crime is explicitly defined in the U.S. Constitution?

• A. Treason
• B. Murder
• C. Espionage
• D. Bribery

Answer: (A)

Treason is specifically defined in the U.S. Constitution, making it the only crime laid out in the document itself. Article III, Section 3 defines treason as levying war against the United States or adhering to its enemies, giving them aid and comfort. It also imposes a strict evidentiary rule: there must be at least two witnesses to the same overt act, or a confession in open court. Because treason has a unique, explicit definition and proof standard in the Constitution, it stands apart from other offenses like murder, espionage, or bribery, which are defined by ordinary statutes rather than by the Constitution itself.

Treason is specifically defined in the U.S. Constitution, making it the only crime laid out in the document itself. Article III, Section 3 defines treason as levying war against the United States or adhering to its enemies, giving them aid and comfort. It also imposes a strict evidentiary rule: there must be at least two witnesses to the same overt act, or a confession in open court. Because treason has a unique, explicit definition and proof standard in the Constitution, it stands apart from other offenses like murder, espionage, or bribery, which are defined by ordinary statutes rather than by the Constitution itself.