Legal Definitions - Levitical degrees

Levitical degrees refer to a degree of relationship so close that marriage between the persons is forbidden by law. This includes all persons lineally related and within the third civil-law degree of relationship, such as aunt-nephew and uncle-niece relations. The term "Levitical" comes from the Bible, where the incest prohibition is pronounced in Leviticus 18:6-18.

For example, a brother and sister cannot legally get married because they are in a prohibited degree of relationship. Similarly, an uncle cannot marry his niece.

Levitical degrees are used to establish the incest prohibition in marriage requirements and to determine who is the closest heir in an intestate estate. The degree of relationship is calculated by counting the steps up from the decedent to the nearest common ancestor of the decedent and the claimant, and on down to the claimant from the common ancestor.

Overall, Levitical degrees are an important legal concept that helps prevent incestuous relationships and ensures fair distribution of estates.