Attainder

Attainder, that extinction of civil rights and capacities which formerly took place when judgment of death or outlawry was recorded against a person who had committed treason or felony. The consequences were the forfeiture of land and goods and corruption of blood. In case of such a result, neither he, nor his ancestors through him, could transmit an estate of inheritance to any of his sons or other issue. Modern legislation has however by degrees modified this disability, until both forfeiture and corruption of blood finally disappeared under the provisions of the statute 33 and 34 Vict., ch. 23. A descendant may also now trace through an attainted ancestor. The attainder of a trustee or mortgagee does not occasion the lands, etc., to escheat or be forfeited.