What is curtesy?

Curtesy refers to a legal right that allows a surviving husband to inherit a portion of his deceased wife's estate, specifically her real property. This right typically comes into effect when the couple was lawfully married and the wife passed away, leaving behind property. It underscores the legal framework designed to ensure that a spouse retains some legal claim to assets acquired during the marriage, reflecting the importance of marital relationships under the law. This concept is rooted in common law and may vary in recognition and application across different jurisdictions.

The other choices do not relate to curtesy in any context. A form of property tax is a financial obligation related to property ownership, and restrictions on property usage pertain to zoning or covenants, neither of which involves the inheritance rights of a surviving spouse. Similarly, a type of land survey deals with measuring and mapping land boundaries, which is unrelated to the legal rights of spouses. Thus, the recognition of curtesy specifically as a legal right of a surviving spouse stands as the most accurate understanding of the term.