Treason Act 1746 facts for kids
| Act of Parliament | |
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| Long title | An Act for allowing Persons impeached of High Treason, whereby any Corruption of Blood may be made, or for Misprision of such Treason, to make their full Defence by Council. |
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| Citation | 20 Geo. 2. c. 30 |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 17 June 1747 |
| Commencement | 1 June 1747 |
| Repealed | 18 July 1973 |
| Other legislation | |
| Repealed by | Statute Law (Repeals) Act 1973 |
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Status: Repealed
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The Treason Act 1746 was an important law made by the Parliament of Great Britain. This law, also known as 20 Geo. 2. c. 30, was about making sure people accused of serious crimes against the country had a fair chance to defend themselves.
The full name of the law was "An Act for allowing Persons impeached of High Treason, whereby any Corruption of Blood may be made, or for Misprision of such Treason, to make their full Defence by Council." This long title basically means that people accused of treason could have legal help.
This Act started on June 1, 1747. It gave anyone accused of high treason (a very serious crime against the government or monarch) or misprision of treason (knowing about treason but not reporting it) the right to have up to two lawyers. These lawyers would help them present their side of the story. The House of Commons was the part of Parliament that would bring these accusations.
The Treason Act 1746 is no longer a law today. It was cancelled, or repealed, in different stages. For England and Wales, it was repealed on January 1, 1968, by the Criminal Law Act 1967. For the rest of the United Kingdom, it was repealed later, on July 18, 1973, by the Statute Law (Repeals) Act 1973.
What is High Treason?
High treason is a very serious crime against the country or its ruler. In the past, it included things like trying to harm the monarch or overthrow the government. This law was important because it gave people accused of such serious crimes the right to have legal help.
Why was this Act important?
Before this Act, people accused of treason might not have had the right to a lawyer. This law changed that. It made sure that even in very serious cases, people could get legal advice and support. This helped to make trials fairer. It was a step towards protecting the rights of individuals, even when they were accused of major crimes.
See also
- High treason in the United Kingdom
- Treason Act
- Treason Act 1714
