What is a bill of attainder?

• A. A bill that declares guilt and imposes punishment without due process
• B. A law that imposes taxes
• C. A constitutional amendment
• D. A measure to regulate commerce

Answer: (A)

A bill of attainder is a legislative act that declares a person guilty of a crime and imposes punishment without a trial. The Constitution forbids such measures to protect due process, ensuring punishment cannot be imposed without a fair judicial process, with evidence, defense, and, when appropriate, a trial by jury. The other options describe taxation, a constitutional amendment, or commerce regulation, none of which involve punishing an individual without due process.