lese majesty

• Juristischer Begriff für das Vergehen der Beleidigung oder Verletzung der Majestät eines regierenden Monarchen oder der Würde der Staatsgewalt. Kann sich auch auf ein Vergehen gegen jede höchste Gewalt oder einen Akt des Hochverrats beziehen.

A legal term referring to the crime of violating the dignity of a reigning sovereign or attacking the dignity of a state authority. It can also refer to an offense against any supreme authority or an act of treason.

1. Crime against a sovereignC2formal

   The offense of violating the dignity or authority of a reigning monarch or head of state.

   Majestätsbeleidigung

   • The nobleman was accused of lese majesty for plotting against the king.
   • In some countries, lese majesty is still a serious crime.
   • The satirical cartoon was considered an act of lese majesty.

2. Insult to authorityC2formal

   An act or statement that shows disrespect or contempt for a person or institution in power.

   Majestätsbeleidigung

   • Criticizing the government in such a harsh manner was seen as lese majesty.
   • The journalist was charged with lese majesty for his article.
   • His comments about the president were considered lese majesty.