Petty treason or
petit treason was an offence under the
common law of
England which involved the betrayal of a superior by a subordinate. It differed from the better-known
high treason in that high treason can only be committed against the Sovereign. In England and Wales, petty treason ceased to be a distinct offence from
murder by virtue of the
Offences against the Person Act 1828. It was abolished in Ireland in 1829. It never existed in Scotland. It has also been abolished in other common-law countries.