Maxim 5.6.17
A right descends, not the land.
Jus descendit et non terra.
Source: Co. Litt. 345; Bouvier, *Law Dictionary* (1856); Weisman, 70d
Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable
Explanation
What passes by descent is the legal right to the land, not the land itself — the heir inherits a title, not the physical soil.
Where this applies
- When my parent dies, do I inherit the physical land or just the legal right to it?
- What exactly passes to an heir — the title or the dirt?
Legal domains
See also
Cite this maxim
NeCede Max. 5.6.17 — A right descends, not the land. — Co. Litt. 345; Bouvier, *Law Dictionary* (1856); Weisman, 70d (Jus descendit et non terra.)
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