What is high treason? How to use in English

The term "high treason" is an ancient legal concept that originated in medieval England. It refers to the most serious crimes against the State, as they involve intentional and direct attacks against the sovereignty of a monarch or a constitutional government. The expression "treason" itself has a long history, dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period when it was used to describe an action against one's lord or king. However, the term "high treason" specifically describes crimes that threaten the very foundation of the political structure, such as plotting against the King's person, unlawfully levying war against the Sovereign, or assisting a foreign power to invade the realm. In medieval England, the punishment for high treason was severe; it included forfeiture of property, confiscation of goods, and execution. The perpetrator's treasonous acts could also be punished through disemboweling, beheading, or any other horrific methods that would serve as a warning to others who might consider disloyalty to the monarch. The concept of high treason has persisted throughout history, especially during times of political unrest or war, as it enabled rulers to suppress opposition and maintain their power. However, over time, the definition and scope of high treason have evolved, as modern democracies have replaced the monarch's absolute power with more nuanced systems of governance. In contemporary criminal laws, high treason has become a less frequently used term, as many of the crimes associated with it, such as acts of war, subversion or threats to national security, are now categorized as separate and more specific criminal offenses.