In early American society,married women could have no legal identity separate from that of their husbands.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is true. Under English common law, which was the basis for American law, a woman's legal identity was subsumed under her husband's. This meant that any property she owned, any wages she earned, and any debts she incurred all belonged to her husband. Women were also not allowed to make contracts, sue or be sued in court, or engage in business transactions without their husband's permission. It wasn't until the 19th and 20th centuries that women's legal status began to change in the United States, with the advent of women's suffrage, property rights, and other reforms.

In Early American Society,married Women Could Have No Legal Identity