United States v. Burr

law case

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July 19, 2026

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The United States v. Burr case stemmed from Aaron Burr's arrest for treason in 1807. Burr, the third vice president of the United States, had a turbulent political career marked by his killing of political rival Alexander Hamilton in a duel in 1804.12

The treason charges against Burr arose from his alleged plot with General James Wilkinson to invade Mexico and establish an independent government, possibly involving the secession of western territories. Chief Justice John Marshall presided over the trial in Richmond, Virginia. Marshall acquitted Burr, ruling that treason, by definition, requires the existence of a state of war. Although acquitted, Burr remained under suspicion and later moved to Europe.1

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executive privilege
Evolution of the principle of executive privilege
In United States v. Burr (1807), for example, in which Aaron Burr was being tried for treason, the U.S. Supreme Court did not require the Jefferson administration to turn over requested documents, though it did maintain that the courts had the right to request such documents…
Read More
In United States v. Burr (1807), for example, in which Aaron Burr was being tried for treason, the U.S. Supreme Court did not require the Jefferson administration to turn over requested documents, though it did maintain that the courts had the right to request such documents…
Read More