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.

Analogy

Imagine you're playing a game where the rules are set. Suddenly, one player decides to change the rules, declaring you've lost without giving you an opportunity to defend yourself. That's what happens with bills of attainder - they bypass the usual legal process.

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.