forbidden degrees

forbidden degrees

in Scots family law certain persons are not allowed to marry because of their relationship. Most relations by CONSANGUINITY are prohibited, as are a number of AFFINITY. Former spouses are affected, as are relations by adoption. Illegitimacy is irrelevant, and relations of the half blood are treated the same as those of the full blood. In cases of affinity, if it is not possible to petition the court for permission to marry in certain restricted circumstances, it is possible to apply for a private Act of Parliament. A Bill progressing through the Scottish Parliament proposes to remove the barriers to a marriage between a man and the mother of his former wife, a man and the former wife of his son, a woman and the father of her former husband, and a woman and the former husband of her daughter.

Collins Dictionary of Law © W.J. Stewart, 2006