corruption of blood
English edit
Noun edit
corruption of blood (uncountable)
- (historical, law) The doctrine in English common law that someone attainted of felony or treason has corrupt blood and so cannot inherit property and has no legal heirs.
- 1787 September 17, Constitutional Convention, Constitution of the United States[1], Philadelphia, →OCLC, page 3:
- The Congreſs shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or
Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted.