Wiktionary:Word of the day/2020/January 30

Word of the day
for January 30
high crime n
  1. (law) Often in the plural: a major crime or wrongdoing, notably one subject to trial before the highest courts which may impose the gravest punishments.

The trial of Charles I for high treason and other high crimes began on this day in 1649 (20 January, according to the Julian calendar). Accused of leading England into the First English Civil War to pursue his own interest rather than the good of the country, he was found guilty, and executed on 9 February 1649 (30 January).

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