Bills of Attainder

Definition

A bill of attainder is a law that declares a person or group of people guilty of a crime and punishes them without a trial.

Related terms

Habeas Corpus: This is a legal action or writ by means of which detainees can seek relief from unlawful imprisonment.

Due Process: The fair treatment through the normal judicial system, especially as a citizen's entitlement.

Separation of Powers: The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.