Head and Master law facts for kids
The "Head and Master" laws were a set of old rules in the United States that allowed a husband to make all the big decisions about the household and any shared property. He could do this even without his wife knowing or agreeing! It didn't matter who paid for the property or whose name was on the deed; the husband had the final say. In 1979, Louisiana was the very last state to get rid of these laws.
Contents
What Were "Head and Master" Laws?
These laws were a part of property law in the United States for a long time. They meant that a husband was seen as the "head" of the family. This gave him special powers over his wife and their shared belongings.
What Did These Laws Allow Husbands to Do?
Under these rules, a husband could:
- Sell or mortgage family property without his wife's permission.
- Control any money or property his wife brought into the marriage.
- Make important decisions about the family's finances and home life.
His wife often had no legal say in these matters.
Why Did These Laws Exist?
The "Head and Master" laws came from older legal ideas, like something called Coverture. Coverture was a legal idea from English law. It meant that when a woman got married, her legal identity was "covered" by her husband's. She was seen as one person with her husband under the law. This meant she couldn't own property, sign contracts, or even keep her own wages. These old ideas shaped many laws in the U.S. for a long time.
When Did These Laws End?
Over time, many states started to change or get rid of these unfair laws. People began to fight for more equal rights for women. By the 1970s, most states had already repealed them. However, Louisiana was the last state to keep these laws. It wasn't until 1979 that Louisiana finally repealed its "Head and Master" laws. This was a big step forward for women's rights in the state and across the country.
Why Was This Change Important?
Ending the "Head and Master" laws was a huge victory for gender equality. It meant that wives gained more control over their own lives and property. It helped ensure that both husbands and wives had equal say in family decisions. This change was a key part of the larger movement for women's rights in the United States. It showed that marriage should be a partnership where both people have equal rights and responsibilities.
See also
- Coverture
- Marital power
- Marriage bar
