What is "jus relictae"

In Scots law, jus relictae refers to the right of the surviving spouse in the movable goods of the deceased spouse. Jus relictae is the term used for a surviving wife, and jus relicti is the term used for a surviving husband. The similar right for any surviving children is referred to as legitim.

The deceased must have been domiciled in Scotland, but the right accrues from movable property, wherever situated. The surviving spouse's right vests by survivance, and is independent of the deceased spouse's testamentary provisions; it may however be renounced by contract, or be discharged by satisfaction. It is subject to alienation of the deceased spouse's movable estate during his lifetime or by its conversion into heritage.