What Is a Slayer Statute?

A slayer statute (sometimes referred to as the “slayer rule”) is a legal concept which prevents someone who has been convicted of a crime of intentionally killing another person from benefiting from that crime. It ensures that a person cannot receive a life insurance payout, an inheritance, or any other benefits as a result of that crime.

How Does a Slayer Statute Work?

The basic concept behind a slayer statute is that no one should benefit in any way from their own crime. Therefore, if a person is convicted of intentionally killing another person, the slayer statute will typically forbid them from inheriting money, property, or any other form of assets from the victim.

In some cases, the slayer statute may also forbid the killer from continuing to receive benefits such as life insurance payouts or annuities that they had been receiving from the victim prior to their death. Any assets that are directly or indirectly intended to benefit the killer will usually be disallowed by the slayer statute.

How Is a Slayer Statute Enforced?

A slayer statute is generally enforced by state law, and each state may have different rules and regulations regarding this concept. In most cases, the law stipulates that if a jury finds a person guilty of intentionally killing another person, then any assets that the killer would have received as a result of the death will be withheld. Any financial benefits that the killer would have received from the victim’s estate must also be forfeited.

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Furthermore, if the killer is convicted of a crime of intentional killing, then they may be held liable for any costs associated with the victim’s funeral or burial. This concept is known as the “slayer’s debt,” and it ensures that the killer does not get off scot-free even if they are prohibited from inheriting any assets.

Related Legal Concepts

Understanding slayer statutes often intersects with other estate planning protections like antilapse statutes, which prevent bequests from failing when beneficiaries predecease the testator, and nonlapse statutes that serve similar protective functions. The enforcement of slayer rules operates within broader statutory frameworks, where each statute serves specific legal purposes, and may be subject to statute of limitations periods for bringing related claims.

The Bottom Line

Slayer statutes represent a fundamental principle that no one should profit from their own criminal acts, particularly when those acts involve taking another person’s life. These laws protect the integrity of inheritance and insurance systems by ensuring that murderers cannot benefit financially from their victims’ deaths, while also holding killers accountable for associated costs. For guidance specific to your situation, always consult a qualified, licensed attorney.