Legal Definitions - blood, corruption of the

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.