At common law a husband could sue either for criminal conversation with his wife, alienation of his affections or enticing her from him.18 In an action for alienation of the wife's affection, it is not necessary that the husband should prove that the wife had previously had affection for him;19 nor is it necessary in such an action that the husband should prove that the defendant had committed adultery with the wife.20

In a recent case it was held that a husband could go into equity to secure an injunction to prevent the alienation of his wife's affection.21

In the case of personal injury to the wife, the husband has a right of action against the tort-feasor for the loss of the services of the wife independently of the action of the wife for the injury received. At common law, this last mentioned action must be brought in the name of the husband and wife jointly.22 The husband could recover for slander spoken of wife.