What is the main characteristic of a per capita system of inheritance?

The per capita system of inheritance is characterized by the principle that each individual in a designated group inherits an equal share of the estate, emphasizing the equality of distribution among all living beneficiaries at the same generation level. In this type of system, if a beneficiary passes away before the estate is settled, their share does not get redistributed to their descendants, which is a key element distinguishing it from other systems like per stirpes.

Distributing benefits equally among all designated individuals allows for a straightforward approach to inheritance, ensuring that each beneficiary receives an identical amount without considering their lineage or the number of individuals in their branch of the family. This equal treatment aligns closely with the defining characteristic of the per capita method, reinforcing the standard that every beneficiary's share is calculated without preferential treatment or distinction based on descent.

This understanding underscores why the per capita model effectively weighs each person equally in terms of the distribution of assets, leading to a unified approach that simplifies the inheritance process for all parties involved.