Definition ∞ A certificate of guilt, within the context of certain blockchain protocols, is cryptographic proof that a network participant has acted maliciously or deviated from protocol rules. This proof allows other participants to identify the misbehaving entity and typically triggers a predefined penalty, such as the slashing of staked funds. It serves as an on-chain mechanism for enforcing protocol integrity and accountability.
Context ∞ This concept is particularly relevant in proof-of-stake systems where validators stake assets as collateral for honest behavior. News often discusses the implementation of such certificates in new protocol designs or instances where validators have been penalized for double-signing or other rule violations. The presence and effectiveness of a certificate of guilt mechanism are vital for maintaining the security and trustworthiness of decentralized networks.
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