AFFINITY, in law, is that degree of kindred or con nexion which subsists between one of two married per sons, and the blood relations of the other. It is only by affection that this tic is created; for there is no real kindred. A person Cannot, by legal succession, reap an inheritance from relation by affinity, be it ever so near; neither does it extend to the nearest relation of husband or wife, so as to create a mutual relation between them. The degrees of affinity are computed in the same way as those of consanguinity, or blood. By the Jewish law, marriage was prohibited within certain degrees of con sanguinity, such as thet t.f :;r1 uncle to a niece, of a grandlathe r to a granddaughter, or of a brother to a brother's \\ re, it he had left children. The same limi tations are adopted into the laws of this country, and ap ply also to affinity, as well as consanguinity. Infringe ment.; ul the Ian, however, are found in the scripture itself, such as the marriage of Abraham, and also that of Jacob. Though it is understood that any legal im
pediments arising from affinity cease when that tie is dissolved instance, by decease of a husband), those affecting the marriage of the survivors still subsist.
A judge cannot decide in the cause °fa near relation, if an objection be made to it, whether the kindred arise trom consanguinity or affinity. Thus, in Scotland, by a special statute, he cannot try the cause of his lather's brother, or son, by affinity ; but he may decide that of his nephew affinity. Some lawyers maintain, that the like rules apply to receiving the testimony of wit nesses. Others lay it doll n, that a sister-in-law may not he admitted a witness during the husband's life, though this may be done alter his death. (c)