Legal Definitions - husband–wife immunity

Definition: Husband-Wife Immunity is a legal doctrine that provides immunity to one spouse from being sued by the other spouse for personal injury.

Example: If a husband accidentally injures his wife, she cannot sue him for damages under the Husband-Wife Immunity doctrine. However, as of 1992, 38 states and the District of Columbia had abolished interspousal tort immunity either by judicial opinion or by statute. Nine states had abolished the rule only in specific instances such as intentional or vehicular torts.

Explanation: The example illustrates how the Husband-Wife Immunity doctrine provides immunity to one spouse from being sued by the other spouse for personal injury. However, many states have abolished this doctrine due to changing societal norms and the belief that both spouses should be held accountable for their actions.