U.S. v. Aaron Burr: The Treason Trial | Federal Judicial Center

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U.S. v. Aaron Burr: The Treason Trial

John Marshall presides over the treason trial of a former vice president, and the subpoena of President Thomas Jefferson threatens the balance of judicial and executive authority.

Famous Federal Trials

Learn about the case
Teaching Resources

by Charles F. Hobson, Editor, the Papers of John Marshall, Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture, College of William and Mary

Learn about the case — historical background and documents

View/Download PDF (668.85 KB)

Classroom Materials and Activities

Power Point Lecture (PowerPoint, 1.39 MB)

Student Handout (PDF, 35.34 KB)

Constitutional Requirements for a Treason Conviction — A Primary Source Activity (PDF, 137.53 KB)

The Cabinet and the Supreme Court discuss Burr's subpoena of the President — A Simulation Activity (PDF, 91.81 KB)

The Treason Trials of Aaron Burr and Jefferson Davis — A Comparative Activity (PDF, 121.63 KB)

Resources for Judges

The Aaron Burr Treason Trial — Suggestions for Judges (PDF, 74.32 KB)