Sins of the Father
/ˈsɪnz əv ðə ˈfɑːðər/
Definitions
- (n.) A principle holding that descendants may bear consequences of their ancestors' wrongful acts, relevant in legal contexts like inheritance, liability, or historical accountability.
The court considered whether the 'sins of the father' principle applied to the disputed estate.
Forms
- sins of the father
Related terms
See also
Commentary
This term is largely metaphorical in legal contexts and is used to discuss liability or responsibility extending beyond the individual perpetrator to their descendants. Care should be taken to distinguish moral or cultural usage from strict legal doctrines.
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.