Sedition Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Sedition, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Sedition?

(n) Sedition is the treason against the country, with an intention to destabilize the government by supporting or participating in revolution or by supporting the enemies directly or indirectly during war. To call an activity as sedition there must be an intention to destabilize the government

History and Meaning of Sedition

Sedition has its roots in Roman Law and was first used in English in the seventeenth century. It is a legal term used to describe a serious crime that undermines the authority of a state, country or government by promoting insurrection or revolution. In other words, sedition is the act of inciting people to rise up against the established authority with the intention of overthrowing it, causing anarchy in society.

Under English Common Law, sedition was defined as any speech, writing, or publication that tended to incite rebellion or disturbance against the government or laws of the land. The term has evolved into more specific legal definitions in the modern era.

Examples of Sedition

  1. A group of activists were charged with sedition after they organized a protest calling for the overthrow of the government.

  2. A newspaper editor was sentenced to prison for five years for publishing articles that were considered seditious.

  3. Murder is a crime punishable by death, while sedition carries a penalty of imprisonment and fines.

  4. The Indian government recently charged a student leader with sedition for allegedly shouting anti-national slogans during a protest.

Legal Terms Similar to Sedition

  1. Treason - The crime of betraying one's country, especially by attempting to kill or overthrow the sovereign or government.

  2. Insurrection - A violent uprising against an authority or government.

  3. Subversion - An attempt to overthrow the government or the political system by working secretly from within.

  4. Sabotage - Deliberate destruction or damage to property, facilities, or equipment with the intention of interfering with normal operations, disrupt productivity, or undermine a political regime.