CORRUPTION OF BLOOD,, English crim. law. The incapacity to inherit, or pass
an inheritance, in consequence of an attainder to which the party has been
subject
2. When this consequence flows from an attainder, the party is stripped
of all honors and dignities he possessed, and becomes ignoble.
3. The Constitution of the United States, Amendm. art. 5, provides,
that no person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous
crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in
cases arising in the land or naval, forces, or in the militia, when in
actual service in time of war or public danger" and by art. 3, s. 3, n. 2,
it is declared that "no attainder of treason shall work. corruption of
blood, or forfeiture, except during the life of the person attainted."
4. The Constitution of Pennsylvania, art. 9, s. 19, directs that "no
attainder shall work corruption of blood." 3 Cruise, 240, 378 to 381, 473 1
Cruise, 52 1 Chit. Cr. Law, 740; 4 Bl. Com. 388.