Maxim 1.5.115
The right descends, and not the land.
Jus descendit, et non terra.
Source: Co. Litt. 345; Jackson
Difficulty 3/5 — Intermediate
Explanation
What passes by inheritance is the legal right to the land, not the physical soil itself — the heir succeeds to the title, and the title carries with it dominion over the land.
Where this applies
- An heir inherits the legal title to land, not the physical dirt.
- A property right passes to the next generation through inheritance.
Legal domains
Cite this maxim
NeCede Max. 1.5.115 — The right descends, and not the land. — Co. Litt. 345; Jackson (Jus descendit, et non terra.)
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