Personal Law
/ˈpɜːrsənl lɔː/
Definitions
- (n.) The body of law governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and family relations, typically applicable to individuals based on their religion, nationality, or ethnicity rather than territorial jurisdiction.
Under personal law, the inheritance rights of the deceased's family were determined by their religious affiliation.
Forms
- personal law
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Personal law often varies between communities within the same country and is distinct from general civil law; drafters should clarify the applicable personal law in multi-jurisdictional or plural legal systems.
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.