Thought Crime and the Treason Act 1351

Abstract Has there ever been a law criminalizing mental states in themselves? We show that has been, and still is: the Treason Act 1351. argue for what we call ‘the Mental Interpretation’ of Act, over against interpretation it criminalizes complex state an ‘overt act’. also provide authority stronger thesis overt act functions purely as evidence state. discuss other laws various jurisdictions have historically criminalized themselves. conclude by considering objection European Convention on Human Rights rules out our interpretation.