Legal Definitions - civil death

Definition: Civil death is the loss of certain rights, such as the right to vote, make contracts, inherit, and sue, by a person who has been outlawed or convicted of a serious crime, or who is considered to have left the temporal world for the spiritual by entering a monastery. It can also refer to the loss of rights, such as the right to vote and hold public office, by a person serving a life sentence. In some cases, it can also refer to the state of a corporation that has formally dissolved or become bankrupt.

Example: In the past, civil death was used as a punishment for serious crimes. For example, if someone was convicted of treason, they would lose their rights and be considered "dead" to the law. This meant they could not own property, make contracts, or even sue someone in court. This was a way to punish people without actually executing them.

Example: In some states, people serving life sentences in prison lose their right to vote and hold public office. This is an example of civil death because they are being stripped of certain rights as a punishment for their crime.

Explanation: These examples illustrate how civil death is a legal concept that involves the loss of certain rights. It is a way to punish people for serious crimes or to limit their rights if they are considered a danger to society. While it is not used as much today, it is still an important legal concept to understand.