Public-domain · open source
OpenJurist

Shifting Use

A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States · John Bouvier · 1839

A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States

estates, is one which takes effect in derogation of some other estate, and is either limited by the deed creating it, or authorised to be created by some person named in it. This is sometimes called a secondary use. ‘The following is an example: If an estate be limited to A and his heirs, with a proviso that if B pay to A one hundred dollars by a time named, the use to A shall cease, and the estate go to B in fee; the estate is vested in A subject to the shifting or secondary use in fee in B. Again, if the proviso be that C may revoke the use revocation and limitation of a new use. These shifting uses must be confined within proper limits, so as not to create a perpetuity.

4 Kent, Com. 291; Cornish on Uses, 91.