A way of condemning a person for a capital crime without having to resort to trial and judgement under the common law. Once attainted, the person would lose their property and land, and often their lives, and their offspring would not be able to inherit.
Attainder
Fact of the Day
American president Franklin D. Roosevelt claimed to be descended from William the Conqueror.
Quote of the Day
"A grain, which in England is generally given to horses, but in Scotland supports the people.
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~ Samuel Johnson's dictionary definition for 'oats'
On This Day
1787 The 'First Fleet' of 11 ships carrying convicts to Australia left England.
1888 Slavery was abolished in Brazil.