What is a bill of attainder?

A bill of attainder is a legislative act that singles out and punishes an individual or group without the benefits of a fair trial or due process. This concept is rooted in legal principles which emphasize the right to a trial before being declared guilty of any offense. The importance of the prohibition against bills of attainder is highlighted in the U.S. Constitution, which expressly forbids their enactment both at the federal and state levels. This safeguard is crucial in maintaining individual liberties and ensuring that justice is administered fairly, rather than through arbitrary legislative decisions that can lead to unjust punishments. The other options do not accurately capture the essence of a bill of attainder, as they focus on fair trials or public safety regulations, which are unrelated to the punitive intent and lack of due process inherent in a bill of attainder.