Clayton's Case

Clayton's Case is a legal rule from 1816 that clarifies how the ownership of property transferred through a trust or future interest. It states that when an estate is transferred to "A for the benefit of B" (a remainder), B gets the interest immediately, even if the legal title remains with A until some event occurs. Essentially, it ensures B's right is recognized from the moment of the transfer, preventing A from claiming full ownership until the specified event. This rule helps clarify property rights and the timing of interests in trust arrangements.