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Simple English definitions for legal terms
deadhand control
Read a random definition: International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia
A quick definition of deadhand control:
Deadhand control is when someone decides what happens to their things after they die. They can use different ways to do this, like a will or a trust. A long time ago, some rich people tried to control their things forever, but now there are rules to stop that. People can still control their things after they die, but not forever. Some people want their things to go to their family, while others want their things to help animals or charities. Some people even want their family to work or volunteer to get their things.
A more thorough explanation:
Deadhand control is when someone controls how their property will be used after they die. This can be done through different legal mechanisms, such as wills or trusts.
However, historically, deadhand control has been criticized and limited because wealthy individuals would try to make their wealth carry on for many generations. To prevent this, laws like the rule against perpetuities were created. This rule prevents perpetual control of property after death and has been around for hundreds of years.
Despite this, individuals still have ways to extend control of their property after their death. For example, they can use specialty trusts like dynasty trusts that attempt to carry on wealth to multiple generations.
There are many reasons why someone might want to control their property after their death. For example, they might want to ensure that their descendants continuously receive money. Or, they might want their estate to be used to fund a wildlife preserve. Another popular use of deadhand control is to ensure that descendants remain productive while receiving their inheritance. Trusts can require that beneficiaries either hold a job or do volunteer work in order to gain their inheritance.
Overall, deadhand control is a way for individuals to have a say in how their property is used after they die. However, laws have been put in place to prevent perpetual control of property and ensure that the wishes of the deceased are reasonable and fair.