In most countries, family law is regulated by secular codes that have been established by the State, under civil or common law systems, and have no basis in religious or customary norms. Secular family law was originally patriarchal. The very being or legal existence of the woman was "suspended during the marriage, or at least [was] incorporated and consolidated into that of the husband". Married women had no capacity to conclude contracts or own property and were discriminated against as regards inheritance, divorce, and guardianship and custody of children. Moreover, women had to pledge obedience to their husbands, and marital rape and corporal punishment were permitted.