What is a bill of attainder?

A bill of attainder is defined as an act that punishes a person without a trial. This concept is significant in the context of constitutional protections against unlawful punishment and the right to due process. In the United States, the Constitution explicitly prohibits the use of bills of attainder because they circumvent the judicial system and deny individuals the fundamental right to defend themselves in a court of law. This protection is rooted in the principle of separation of powers, which ensures that legislative bodies cannot directly impose penalties on individuals without following the established legal process.

The other options do not accurately describe a bill of attainder. An act that legalizes a crime retroactively would be more aligned with ex post facto laws, which are also prohibited under the Constitution. Regulations governing trials pertain to procedural laws rather than punitive measures directed at individuals. An order for a police search relates to law enforcement procedures and does not involve punitive measures either. This understanding of bills of attainder highlights the importance of fair legal processes in a democratic society.