Bill of Attainder
A law that punishes a specific person or group without trial, stripping them of rights or property. A hallmark of authoritarian power.
A legislative act that inflicts punishment—typically loss of citizenship, property, or civil rights—on a named individual or identifiable group without judicial trial. Historically used by monarchs and autocrats to eliminate political enemies. Prohibited in the U.S. Constitution (Article I) as a safeguard against arbitrary state power.
What this means in real life
A parliament passes a law declaring that a specific opposition leader loses citizenship and all assets, without any court hearing. Citizens cannot challenge the decision through normal legal channels.
What it isn’t
Not a criminal conviction after a fair trial. A bill of attainder bypasses courts entirely; a real trial involves evidence, defense, and judicial judgment.
Commonly misused online
Often invoked loosely to mean 'any unfair law' or 'cancel culture,' when it specifically refers to legislative punishment of named individuals without due process—a much narrower and graver concept.