Description

Treason, Sedition, and Subversive Activities

During the 2023 VCU Libraries’ annual Constitution Day commemoration, Political Science Associate Professor John Aughenbaugh, Ph.D., and Public Affairs Librarian Stephani (Nia) Rodgers will discuss treason, sedition and subversive activities as they relate to the U.S. Constitution and relevant legal precedent. The format will be conversational with an opportunity for the audience to ask questions. The event is free and open to the public, and no registration required. 

The presentation will be based on Article III, Section 3, Clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution, which reads: “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.”

About the speakers:

John M. Aughenbaugh, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the VCU Department of Political Science. For the past 25 years, both at Virginia Tech and VCU, he has taught courses and presented conference papers on constitutional and administrative law and the constitutional issues associated with homeland security.

Stephani (Nia) Rodgers is an assistant professor at VCU Libraries. She coordinates the VCU Libraries' government document collections and has a great interest in providing public access to government information. Her research interests include access to government documents, national security, intellectual freedom and open access. She is the creator of the podcast Civil Discourse.

References:
Sedition Act
38 CFR 3.903: Subversive Activities