Article III · Section 3 of 3
Treason
Article III: The courts
The one-line version
Treason means only making war on the country or helping its enemies, with strict proof.
Section 3 in plain English
Treason against the United States means only two things. It means making war against the country, or helping its enemies.
A person can be convicted of treason only in two ways. Two witnesses must testify to the same open act, or the person must confess in open court.
Congress sets the punishment for treason. But the punishment cannot extend to the person's family. Their heirs cannot lose the right to inherit, and property can be taken only during the person's own life.
Original text, 1788
Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them 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.