The Journal of the Debates in the Convention which Framed the Constitution of the United States, May-September 1787. Volume 2

United States. Constitutional Convention · 1787-07-19 to 1787-09-17 (convention debates recorded; excerpts reflect entries in the official journal as presented here) primary

passage 227 of 266 · Act to which the States by their Legislatures, make themselves parties, becomes a compact from which no one of the parties can recede of itself.

↪ you wandered here via “treason conviction requirements two witnesses” — the connecting lines are tinted below

in brief

It sets treason safeguards: conviction requires testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act or confession in open court, and it allows Congress to set punishment while banning corruption of blood and forfeiture except during the attainted person’s lifetime.

Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.

The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted.

Article. IV.

Acts, Records and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof.

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topics: crime and punishment · equity, mercy, and pardon · natural law and higher law

The Journal of the Debates in the Convention which Framed the Constitut… · United States. Constitutional Convention · 1787