Slayer rule
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The slayer rule, in the common law of inheritance, is a doctrine that prohibits inheritance by a person who murders someone from whom they stand to inherit. The effect of the slaying was that the slayer would be treated as though they had died before the person who had been murdered. The wrongful killing need only be proved by a preponderance of the evidence. If the slayer were later convicted of the murder, that would conclusively divest them of their interest; but if the slayer were acquitted of the murder, the court could still weigh the evidence and determine whether or not they should be divested.
In the United States, most jurisdictions have enacted a slayer statute, which codifies the rule and supplies additional conditions.
[edit] Maryland Slayer Rule
The Maryland Slayer Rule is a bit harsher than most other states. In Maryland, neither the murderer nor his direct issue may benefit from the killing.
Example:
Grandmother A leaves her grandchildren B, C, and D of son E $50,000 in a trust, $100,000 to son E, and the rest of her 10,000,000 dollar estate to her daughters F, G, H, and their children I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, and R in trust. If E kills A, Under Maryland law, neither E, nor his children B, C, and D, stand to inherit. The legacy to them will go to the residuary
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