Legal Definitions - slayer statute

Definition: A slayer statute is a law that prevents someone who has killed another person from inheriting any part of the victim's estate through a will or intestacy.

For example, if someone murders their spouse, they cannot inherit any of their spouse's property or assets under the slayer statute. This law is in place to prevent murderers from profiting from their crimes.

The slayer statute is included in the Uniform Probate Code and is enforced in nearly all jurisdictions. It is an important legal protection for victims and their families.