parentage

parentage

in both England and Scotland it is legally presumed that a child born during marriage is also the child of the husband. The presumption can be rebutted. The court can order DNA or other tests, but if the mother, having control, does not allow samples to be taken then all the court can do is draw such inferences as are appropriate. There are very technical rules as to who is a parent in cases of artificial insemination and the like. See ILLEGITIMACY.

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

PARENTAGE. Kindred. Vide 2 Bouv. Inst. n. 1955; Branch; Line.

A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States. By John Bouvier. Published 1856.