Attainder: meaning, definitions and examples
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attainder
[ əˈteɪndər ]
legal term
Attainder is a legal term that refers to the loss of civil rights and the forfeiture of property due to a conviction for treason or felony. Historically, attainder would result in the individual being declared guilty without a trial, and their descendants would also be stripped of their rights. This concept was particularly significant in English law, as it emphasized the punishment of not only the convicted individual but also their family. In modern usage, many jurisdictions have abolished the practice of attainder, arguing against its fairness and the implications of collective punishment.
Synonyms
disabilitation, forfeiture, loss of rights
Examples of usage
- The law does not permit attainder without due process.
- Attainder was commonly applied during feudal times.
- Modern legal systems reject the concept of attainder.
- The accused feared attainder and its consequences.
- Reformers aimed to abolish attainder in legislation.
Translations
Translations of the word "attainder" in other languages:
🇵🇹 perda de direitos
🇮🇳 सज़ा
🇩🇪 Aberkennung
🇮🇩 pencabutan hak
🇺🇦 позбавлення прав
🇵🇱 pozbawienie praw
🇯🇵 権利の剥奪
🇫🇷 perte de droits
🇪🇸 pérdida de derechos
🇹🇷 hak kaybı
🇰🇷 권리 박탈
🇸🇦 فقدان الحقوق
🇨🇿 zbavení práv
🇸🇰 zbavenie práv
🇨🇳 剥夺权利
🇸🇮 odvzem prav
🇮🇸 réttindarfall
🇰🇿 құқықтан айыру
🇬🇪 უფლების ჩამორთმევა
🇦🇿 haq itirilməsi
🇲🇽 pérdida de derechos
Word origin
The term 'attainder' originates from the Middle English word 'atteindre,' which itself derives from the Old French 'ateindre' meaning to reach or attain. In legal contexts, 'attainder' evolved as a specific term used to describe the forfeiture of rights and property due to serious crimes, primarily treason. During the feudal period in England, the practice was particularly prominent and was formalized in various legal codes. 'Attainder' highlighted the severity of certain crimes and served as a deterrent to others. Over the centuries, the notion of attainder became increasingly controversial, especially as notions of individual rights developed during the Enlightenment, leading to a decline in its application. The United States Constitution explicitly prohibits bills of attainder, reflecting a significant shift towards safeguarding individual rights against punitive measures that do not afford due process.