CHAPTER I.

SYNOPSIS OF COMMON LAW.

[Sidenote: Common law in force.]

Until a comparatively recent period the laws of England in force at the
time of the independence of the American colonies, relating to married
women, the mutual duties of husband and wife, their property rights and
the care and custody of children, were everywhere in force in this
country except in those states which were originally settled by other
nations than the English.

[Sidenote: Changes.]

The agitation of the last fifty years, caused by the demand for equality
in educational opportunities and in professional, business and trade
relations, as well as for the legal and political recognition of women,
has brought about great changes in these laws, until they are in many
instances almost entirely superseded by statutory enactments more in
accordance with the spirit of justice and in greater harmony with the
requirements of a higher form of civilization. In many states they have
reached a condition in which the legal status of husband and wife is
nearly, if not wholly, one of equality.

[Sidenote: Basis of statue law.]

It must always be borne in mind, however, that the common law is the