Calder v. Bull

Bull was the beneficiary of a man's will.

After the said man died, Calder claimed that she was entitled to the man's estate under the laws of the State of Connecticut in 1790s.

Calder and Bull sued each other in Connecticut probate court.

Calder won in the first round of trial in the probate court.

The Connecticut legislature then passed a law that cancelled the probate court decision and granted a new hearing. This time, the Bull party won.

Bull's inheritance remains valid because civil ex post facto laws are okay.

In 1798, women were required to file suits with their husbands. Thus, in this case, both parties had to file lawsuits with their husbands.