corruption of blood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "corruption of blood" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or historical contexts to refer to the idea that a person's descendants can be punished or deprived of rights due to the actions of their ancestors. Example: "The law of corruption of blood prevented the heirs of traitors from inheriting property."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"Corruption of Blood"?

The New Yorker

Neither defines "Corruption of Blood".

The New Yorker

The most important consequences of attainder were forfeiture and corruption of blood.

Britannica

"Corruption of blood" was a familiar feature of the common law in England.

The New York Times

Going beyond treason, Congress enacted a law in 1790 to provide that "no conviction or judgment.. shall work corruption of blood or any forfeiture of estate".

The New York Times

Even harsher than 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.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The Bill eventually failed, and corruption of the blood was not removed from English law until the Forfeiture Act 1870.

Wikipedia

Its intent was to remove corruption of the blood from cases involving treason and felony; Garrow, then Solicitor General, declared that the Bill would remove one of the safeguards of the British Constitution.

Wikipedia

But they are leaving destroyed lands in which tribes and nations are writing the future in the flames of hate, poverty, violence, crime, corruption and rivers of blood.

Huffington Post

His sexualised fantasies of indigenous power in Mexico were as extravagant as his social opinions, which included a complete dismissal of Catholicism as "unreal" and a repudiation of racial mixing (mestizaje) as a corruption of "pure" indigenous blood.

The Guardian - Books

With all the lurid tales of blood transfusions, doping and corruption, sponsors fled women's cycling.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing historical legal concepts, ensure you clarify the specific jurisdiction and time period to provide context for the application of "corruption of blood".

Common error

Avoid using "corruption of blood" metaphorically to describe general moral failings within a family. The phrase has a specific legal meaning and should not be diluted with casual usage.

Linguistic Context

Grammatically, "corruption of blood" functions as a noun phrase. It serves as a subject or object within a sentence, denoting a specific legal concept. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, predominantly in legal and historical contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "corruption of blood" is a noun phrase denoting a specific historical legal doctrine. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and appropriate usage in legal and historical contexts. It describes the concept where a person's descendants are penalized for the crimes of their ancestors, especially regarding inheritance. Although its frequency is common due to appearances in News & Media, Wikipedia, and Encyclopedias, it remains a formal term less suited for casual conversation. Related phrases include "attainder of blood" and "taint of blood". When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the relevant jurisdiction and time period, and avoid misapplying it metaphorically.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attainder of blood

Focuses on the legal consequence of attainder affecting lineage, which is closely related to the concept of corruption of blood.

taint of blood

Emphasizes the idea of a stain or mark on a family's lineage due to a crime or act of treason.

disinheritance of descendants

Highlights the outcome of descendants being unable to inherit due to the actions of an ancestor.

forfeiture of inheritance

Stresses the loss of inheritance rights, a key element associated with the concept of corruption of blood.

blood taint

A more concise way of referring to the corruption or stain affecting a family line.

legal disability of heirs

Highlights the legal limitations placed on heirs as a consequence of an ancestor's actions.

hereditary disqualification

Emphasizes the inherited nature of the inability to hold certain rights or positions.

familial disgrace

Focuses on the dishonor brought upon a family due to the actions of one member.

lineage condemnation

Highlights the judgment or condemnation of an entire family line due to the actions of an individual.

ancestral sin

Refers to the concept of descendants being penalized for the transgressions of their ancestors.

FAQs

What is the meaning of "corruption of blood" in legal history?

In English common law, "corruption of blood" referred to the legal doctrine where someone convicted of felony or treason couldn't inherit property, and their heirs were also barred from inheritance.

How does "corruption of blood" relate to attainder?

Attainder was the legal process that led to "corruption of blood". If someone was attainted of treason, one consequence was the corruption of their blood, preventing their descendants from inheriting.

Is "corruption of blood" still in effect today?

No, "corruption of blood" has been abolished in many legal systems, including the United States. Article III of the U.S. Constitution prohibits attainder of treason from working "corruption of blood" or forfeiture except during the life of the person attainted.

Are there modern legal concepts similar to "corruption of blood"?

While not directly equivalent, some modern debates about immigration and citizenship might touch upon similar themes of inherited status or the consequences of a parent's actions on their children, though they don't invoke the specific concept of "corruption of blood".