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NeCede's

Maxim 4.1.3

Husband and wife are regarded in law as one person.

Vir et uxor censentur in lege una persona.

Source: Jenk. Cent. 27; Co. Litt. 112; Jackson, *Latin for Lawyers* (1915), Max. 1065; Weisman, 79i Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

At common law, husband and wife form a legal unity — the acts, acquisitions, and obligations of one are attributable to both.

Where this applies

  • A wife is sued for a debt her husband incurred during marriage.
  • A husband's legal actions are imputed to his wife under the common law doctrine of coverture.

Topics

Marriage & Family

Legal domains

constitutionalfamily

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 4.1.3 — Husband and wife are regarded in law as one person. — Jenk. Cent. 27; Co. Litt. 112; Jackson, *Latin for Lawyers* (1915), Max. 1065; Weisman, 79i (Vir et uxor censentur in lege una persona.)

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