Was Jefferson Davis Ever Convicted of Treason?

I may be wrong about this but I don't believe that he was. I think that the North was afraid to try him for treason because they weren't sure if seceding from the Union was unconstitutional or would be found to be unconstitutional in the courts.

No. He was imprisoned for a couple of years and treated quite badly, but then let go and lived a free man until he died in the 1890s (I believe).

You have the Internet at your fingertips and yet you ask questions that can be answered witha Google search.


(I'm chastising you the same way M chastised me about looking up the etymology or "juggernaut".)


With the South in ruins and Grant's Army near he fled Richmond. After his capture in the vicinity of Irwinville, Ga. at the end of the war the former president spent two years in jail for treason but was released before trial. A private businessman and author after his release, Jefferson Davis died in 1889 at the age of 81.


From Jefferson Davis: A Portrait

I was almost positive I was right, on my way out the door, and so I didn't bother but I knew someone would correct me if I was wrong. If the victorious Union wouldn't prosecute Davis for treason and they had there doubts about whether or not secession is illegal or unconstitutional, I think it is rather unfair and wrong to label Robert E. Lee a traitor.

what do you expect nowadays? ill bet most people think the president has the power to declare war. (after all , he declared the current 'war' on terrorism)


brad

I believe Bush is covered by the War Powers Act. This time I took the initiative to find a link for it:


http://www.cs.indiana.edu/statecraft/warpow.html

some official on cspan came right out and said that since we (the US) didnt officially (congress) declare war, we had more 'latitude' when it came to dealing with prisoners. (information extraction, ect.)


brad

N/T

The irony with this situation is amazing.