Treason Act (Ireland) 1765

The Treason Act (Ireland) 1765 (5 Geo. 3 c. 21) was an Act of the Parliament of Ireland that amended and extended the definition of treason in Ireland. Prior to this Act, certain offenses that would be considered treason had been subject to legal uncertainty. This Act specifically aimed to clarify and broaden the scope of what constituted treasonous activity within the Irish legal system.

The Act made it treason to correspond with, or aid and abet, the King's enemies. It also covered individuals who levied war against the King in Ireland, or adhered to his enemies, giving them aid and comfort, within the realm or elsewhere. The legislation was significant in its attempt to consolidate and reinforce the legal framework surrounding loyalty and allegiance to the Crown in Ireland, particularly during a period of political tension and concerns about potential Jacobite or other rebellions. The impact of this Act was to strengthen the Crown's ability to prosecute and punish individuals deemed to be acting against its interests and security within Ireland. The Act reflects the broader pattern of legislation enacted in both Great Britain and Ireland during the 18th century aimed at maintaining stability and preventing challenges to the established political order.