Quote Originally Posted by macsen rufus
"Value of confiscated lands" is just a way of covering the fact that rebels don't have anyone to ransom them, so it's presumed you steal their land instead (but it always got me little confused as to why you can't steal the lands of those you'd actually KILLED in the battle - after all, dead men are easier to rob )
Dead men's sins die with them. If they die in battle their land passes to heirs who may have no taint of rebellion or treachery. But if they are captured and tried, confiscation of property may be part of the punishment, along with enslavement or removal of body parts if so desired.

Isn't King John supposed to have said the best favour he could do his son was to die before he lost the civil war?