Legal Definitions - lese majesty

Definition: Lese majesty is a crime committed against the state or ruler. It is also known as "injured majesty" and can be considered as treason. It can also refer to an attack on a custom or traditional belief.

• Speaking out against the king or queen of a country can be considered lese majesty.
• In Thailand, it is illegal to insult the monarchy, and those who do can face charges of lese majesty.
• Challenging a long-standing religious belief can also be seen as lese majesty.

The examples illustrate how lese majesty can be used to protect the authority of a ruler or the traditions of a society. In some countries, speaking out against the monarchy is seen as a threat to the stability of the state, and therefore, it is considered a crime. Similarly, challenging religious beliefs can be seen as a threat to the social order and can be punished as lese majesty.