Degree of Relationship
/dɪˈɡriː əv rɪˈleɪʃənˌʃɪp/
Definitions
- (n.) The measure of closeness in blood, marriage, or adoption between individuals affecting legal rights and obligations.
The court assessed the degree of relationship to determine inheritance rights.
- (n.) A metric for determining eligibility or disqualification in legal contexts such as witness competency or conflict of interest.
He was disqualified as a juror due to the degree of relationship with a party involved.
Related terms
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Commentary
The term primarily appears in family law and evidentiary contexts to specify how closely individuals are legally connected. Different jurisdictions may calculate degrees of relationship differently, so definitions can vary slightly in application.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.