corruption of blood

English law

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June 24, 2026

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In English law, "corruption of blood" refers to the legal consequence of an attainder, which is the loss of civil and political rights following a conviction for treason or a felony. This doctrine was even more severe than attainder itself.12

Corruption of blood meant that a convicted person was barred from inheriting, holding, or passing on any estate, rank, or title. Furthermore, their descendants were permanently disqualified from inheriting any of their rights or titles. While most forms of attainder were abolished in the 19th century, the concept highlights a historical legal principle that extended punishment beyond the individual to their lineage.12

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attainder
…attainder was the doctrine of corruption of blood, by which the person attainted was disqualified from inheriting or transmitting property and his descendants were forever barred from any inheritance of his rights to title. All forms of attainder—except the forfeiture that followed indictment for treason—were abolished during the 19th century.
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…attainder was the doctrine of corruption of blood, by which the person attainted was disqualified from inheriting or transmitting property and his descendants were forever barred from any inheritance of his rights to title. All forms of attainder—except the forfeiture that followed indictment for treason—were abolished during the 19th century.
Read More