attainder

(noun)

The state a prisoner enters once a death sentence (usually for treason) had been issued; the state of being stripped of all civil rights.

Related Terms

Examples of attainder in the following topics:

  • Article III

    • The Congress shall have power to declare the punishment of treason, but no attainder of treason shall work corruption of blood, or forfeiture except during the life of the person attainted.

  • Article I

    • The section provides that the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended "except when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it"; prohibits bills of attainder or ex post facto laws; bars the imposition of taxes or duties on articles exported from any state or the granting of preference to ports of one state over another; and prohibits civil officers from accepting titles of nobility without the consent of Congress.
    • No bill of attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed.
    • No state shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or confederation; grant letters of marque and reprisal; coin money; emit bills of credit; make anything but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of debts; pass any bill of attainder, ex post facto law, or law impairing the obligation of contracts, or grant any title of nobility.

  • Common Law

    • Certain practices traditionally allowed under English common law were specifically outlawed by the Constitution, such as bills of attainder and general search warrants.