corruption of blood

noun

, English Law.

1. the impurity before law that results from attainder and disqualifies the attainted person from inheriting, retaining, or bequeathing lands or interests in lands: abolished in 1870.

Word History and Origins

Origin of corruption of blood¹

First recorded in 1555–65

Example Sentences

As the case made its way through a series of appeals, the Virginia Supreme Court doubled down on the primacy of racial purity, saying the state had an obligation to prevent “the obliteration of racial pride,” “the corruption of blood” and a “mongrel breed of citizens.”

From Washington Post

It says that "no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood," which specifically means that somebody found guilty of treason, their children will not be punished for that.

From Salon

“The Congress shall have the Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted.”

From Salon

Even if all of one’s antecedents had been convicted of treason, the Constitution forbids its penalties to be visited upon him, for it provides that ‘no attainder of treason shall work corruption of blood, or forfeiture except during the life of the person attainted.’

From Slate

The congress shall have power to declare the punishment of treason; but no attainder of treason shall work corruption of blood, or forfeiture, except during the life of the person attainted.”

From Project Gutenberg