A legislative act that declares a person or group guilty of a crime and imposes punishment without a trial. The U.S. Constitution explicitly prohibits both federal and state bills of attainder to ensure separation of powers and protect individual rights.
From Anglo-Norman 'bille' (document) and Old French 'ataindre' (to convict). Historically used by English Parliament to condemn political enemies to death and property forfeiture, often targeting nobles who fell from royal favor. The Framers banned this practice having witnessed its abuse against colonists.
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