Misprison of Felony – A Duty to Snitch?

Abstract

This research shows that the crime of “misprision of felony” is still an existing statutory provision under federal jurisdiction. However, it does not exist in all states, as a criminal offense. Although, it is believed that such a state statute and offense would be a useful tool in the prosecution of criminal offenses.
Law enforcement officials would have the option of using such a statute to impress upon citizen witnesses the importance of their participation as the criminal prosecution process.
Unfortunately, not all state judges or legislatures agree with these efforts. At the present time, it appears, that only the federal government has made active use of such an action as the research herein shows.