Legal Definitions - jus mariti

JUS MARITI

Jus mariti (pronounced juh-s mah-ree-tee or muh-ree-tee) is a legal term used in Scots law. It refers to an outdated right that allowed a husband to own all of his wife's movable property.

For example, if a woman owned a car before she got married, her husband would have the right to take ownership of the car under jus mariti. Similarly, if the woman inherited money from her family, her husband would have the right to claim that money as his own.

This legal concept is no longer in use, as it is considered unfair and outdated. Today, spouses have equal rights to their own property and can only claim ownership of joint property.

The examples illustrate how jus mariti allowed husbands to have complete control over their wives' property, which was seen as unfair and unjust.