Legal Definitions - aid and comfort

Definition: Aid and comfort refers to help given by someone to a national enemy in a way that amounts to treason.

Examples of aid and comfort include:

• Buying a vessel and fitting it for service in aid of the enemy
• Delivering prisoners and deserters to the enemy
• Selling critical materials with knowledge that the purchaser buys them to use in the manufacture of gunpowder for the enemy or otherwise to aid them in their prosecution of the war

These examples illustrate how someone can provide aid and comfort to an enemy in various ways. For instance, if someone buys a vessel and prepares it for service in aid of the enemy, they are providing direct support to the enemy's military efforts. Similarly, if someone delivers prisoners or deserters to the enemy, they are helping the enemy by providing them with valuable information or resources. Finally, if someone sells critical materials to the enemy, they are enabling the enemy to manufacture weapons or other supplies that will help them in their war efforts.