Statute of Uses
Quick Summary
The Statute of Uses was an English law enacted in 1535 to address issues arising from the legal concept of a "use" in property law. A "use" allowed one person to hold legal title to land while another person enjoyed its profits. This practice, dating back to the 11th century, was used for various purposes, including property management and avoiding taxes or feudal dues.1
Equity courts began enforcing uses, recognizing the beneficiary as the true owner, which led to widespread abuse. The Statute of Uses aimed to abolish many of these uses, though some forms evolved into modern trusts.1
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inheritanceHistorical development…was abolished by Henry VIII’s Statute of Uses in 1535. The King wished to restore to the crown its prospects of escheat and of certain feudal duties, which could be evaded by the alienation to uses. Public indignation was so strong, however, that five years later the King found it…
Read More…was abolished by Henry VIII’s Statute of Uses in 1535. The King wished to restore to the crown its prospects of escheat and of certain feudal duties, which could be evaded by the alienation to uses. Public indignation was so strong, however, that five years later the King found it…
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United KingdomFinancial policy…through Parliament in 1536 the Statute of Uses—to prevent any landowner from escaping “relief” and wardship (feudal inheritance taxes) by settling the ownership of his lands in a trustee for the sole benefit (“use”) of himself—and establishing the Court of Wards and Liveries in 1540 to handle the profits of…
Read More…through Parliament in 1536 the Statute of Uses—to prevent any landowner from escaping “relief” and wardship (feudal inheritance taxes) by settling the ownership of his lands in a trustee for the sole benefit (“use”) of himself—and establishing the Court of Wards and Liveries in 1540 to handle the profits of…
Read More