bill of attainder

Definition

A legislative determination imposing punishment without trial.

Example Sentences

• "They resolved to copy a Tudor precedent and to proceed against him by bill of attainder. Doubts of law and defects of evidence would thus be cured"
• "Coupled with the Constitution's proscription of ex post facto laws is a similar prohibition against bills of attainder."
• "That the tax would take effect after some of the payments were made also raises issues. Says former Attorney General Richard Thornburg, also in an e-mail: "Such legislation could well run afoul of constitutional restrictions on bills of attainder, ex post facto laws, laws impairing the obligations of contract, unauthorized takings of property and the like."