What does a slayer statute prohibit?

A slayer statute specifically prohibits a person who has unlawfully killed another individual from inheriting any property or benefits from the victim. The underlying principle is rooted in the concept of unjust enrichment; it is deemed fundamentally unfair to allow someone to profit from their wrongdoing. When an individual is convicted of killing another, or even when there is sufficient evidence to suggest that they were responsible for the victim's death, the slayer statute typically disqualifies them from receiving any assets, including those designated in a will or trust.

This framework exists to promote justice and prevent a murderer from benefiting from their criminal actions, ensuring that any inheritance or benefits that would have otherwise gone to them will instead pass as if they predeceased the victim, usually to the next eligible heirs. The statute serves both punitive and societal interests, reinforcing moral and ethical standards around inheritance rights.