The highest crime in the land in most countries is treason- crimes against the government itself. Highest than murder or rape in most countries, is the crime that signifies an assault upon the abstract concept known as the state. In some countries, including certain states in the USA, a person can still be put to death for this crime.
What is interesting about the word itself is its origins.
Treason comes from the same root word as tradition. Both words derive their meaning from the idea of passing something on to somebody else. That this is the root of a word that is associated with the deepest of national crimes suggests an age old fear of giving up power, one that may be intrinsic in domesticated culture, especially in the leadership caste.
Likewise, there may be a connection here with domesticated culture's quest for immortality- a desire to forever forestall change and loss of control.
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