Law Dictionary

husband

A man who has a wife; a man legally bound in wedlock to a wife. "Husband and wife" describes persons connected by the marriage tie, and the relation signifies those mutual rights and obligations which flow from the marriage contract. At common law, husband and wife are one person at law, and he is that person; that is, the legal existence of the woman is suspended or at least incorporated into that of the husband, under whose protection she performs everything. Hence, he cannot grant her anything, nor contract with her; but she can be his agent, and take a bequest from him. She is always under his power. He is liable for her frauds, torts, and breaches of trust. He, she, or both, may have a remedy for an injury to her person or reputation.

Source : William C. Anderson, A Dictionary of Law (1893)

Language : English

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