Which term describes a legislative act that punishes without trial?

• A. Bill of Attainder
• B. Supremacy clause
• C. Equal Protection Clause
• D. Privileges and Immunities clause

Answer: (A)

A Bill of Attainder is a legislative act that punishes a person or class without a trial. Historically, lawmakers could declare guilt and impose punishment—such as death, imprisonment, or confiscation of property—without court proceedings. To protect due process and the separation of powers, the Constitution bars such acts for both the federal government and the states. The other terms refer to different constitutional protections: the Supremacy Clause sets federal law above conflicting state laws, the Equal Protection Clause requires that laws treat similarly situated people alike, and the Privileges and Immunities Clause restricts states from discriminating against citizens of other states in fundamental rights.