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Article
Tipping the Scales in Favor of Charitable Bequests: A Critique
Pace Law Review
  • Elizabeth Carter, Louisiana State University Law Center
Abstract

This paper considers the public policy favoring testamentary bequests to charity and offers a critique of that policy. Public policy favors testamentary bequests to charity. At least, that is the claim of numerous courts and legislative bodies. The policy favoring charitable bequests may tip the scales in deciding the proper interpretation of a will or the merits of an undue influence, incapacity, or tortuous interference with inheritance claim. Paradoxically, courts and legislative bodies rarely discuss the source of this public policy. Nor do they inquire into the wisdom of the policy. They should.

Comments

34 Pace L. Rev. 983 (2014)

Disciplines
Keywords
  • Charitable uses,
  • trusts,
  • & foundations (Law),
  • Undue influence,
  • Charitable bequests -- Government policy,
  • Charitable giving -- Economic aspects,
  • Charity laws & legislation -- United States,
  • Inheritance & succession -- United States,
  • Wills -- United States,
  • Legal ethics -- United States
Date of Authorship for this Version
7-1-2014
Citation Information
Elizabeth Carter. "Tipping the Scales in Favor of Charitable Bequests: A Critique" Pace Law Review Vol. 34 Iss. 3 (2014) p. 983 - 1040
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/elizabeth_carter/1/