Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
attainder
noun
/əˈteɪndər/
Definition
At a point in law, the process by which a person is declared guilty of a serious crime, resulting in a loss of civil rights and status.
Examples
- After the attainder was passed, the noble family lost their estate.
- The law of attainder was once common but is now largely considered unjust.
- When he was found guilty, his attainder meant he could never hold public office again.
Meaning
At the time of attainder, individuals could lose their title, property, and rights due to a conviction without a trial.
Synonyms
- Loss of rights
- Disqualification
- Deprivation
