HopefullyInLawSchool
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LSDefine
Simple English definitions for legal terms
blood, corruption of the
Read a random definition: Copyright Act of 1976
A quick definition of blood, corruption of the:
Blood, corruption of the is an old idea that is no longer used because it is against the law. It means that if someone is found guilty of a serious crime, their family members cannot inherit their property or money. This is not fair because it punishes innocent people for something they did not do. It also makes them lose their status in society. This idea is not used anymore because it is not right to punish someone's family for their mistakes.
A more thorough explanation:
Blood, corruption of the is a defunct doctrine that is now considered unconstitutional. It refers to the loss of the ability to inherit or pass property as a result of an attainder or being declared civilly dead.
If a person is convicted of a felony or treason, their blood is said to be corrupt. This means that neither their children nor any of their blood can inherit from them or any other ancestor. For example, if a noble or gentleman is convicted of a crime, they and all their children are made ignoble and ungentle.
This doctrine is no longer in use and is considered unconstitutional because it violates the principle of innocent until proven guilty. It also punishes innocent family members for the crimes of their relatives.