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Reprint of the first edition. One of the most controversial and feared powers of parliament, attainder was the extinction of the civil rights and powers of people convicted of treason or other grave felony. Its principal consequences were the forfeiture and escheat of lands and disqualification from holding, inheriting or transmitting land, either directly or through descent. Especially popular during the Reign of Henry VIII, bills of attainder were usually employed to punish persons who had displeased the king. (Essentially abolished in 1870, they were applied to outlaws until 1932, when they were abolished altogether.) As one would expect, their use as a tool of reprisal caused widespread resentment. West [d. 1726] appreciates this resentment, but argues that bills of attainder are justifiable in certain situations and defends their use.
Originally published in 1695, this work is a passionate defense of the rights of English citizens against the abuses of state power. Defoe and his collaborator Richard West argue that bills of attainder, which allowed the government to convict people of treason without a trial, violated both the principles of natural justice and the English constitution. Their arguments are as relevant today as they were three centuries ago, making this book an essential read for anyone interested in the intersection of law and politics. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Explores the formation of the British state and national identity from 1603-1820 by examining the definitions of sovereignty and allegiance presented in treason trials. The king's person remained central to national identity and the state until republican challenges forced prosecutors in treason trials to innovate and redefine sovereign authority.