Legal Definitions - mortua manus

Definition: Mortua manus is a Latin term that refers to deadhand control. It is a legal arrangement where a person's property is controlled even after their death through a trust or other legal instrument.

Example: A wealthy businessman sets up a trust that will control his assets even after his death. The trust specifies that his children will only receive a certain amount of money each year and that the rest will be invested or used for charitable purposes. The businessman's control over his assets continues even after his death through the trust.

Explanation: The example illustrates how mortua manus or deadhand control works. The person who sets up the trust retains control over their assets even after their death. The trust specifies how the assets will be managed and distributed, and the beneficiaries have limited control over the assets. This legal arrangement is often used to ensure that the person's wishes are carried out even after their death.