from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
INGRATITUDE. The forgetfulness of a kindness or benefit.
2. In the civil law, ingratitude on the part of a legatee, was
sufficient to defeat a legacy in his favour. In Louisiana, donations inter
vivos are liable to be revoked or dissolved on account of the ingratitude of
the donee; but the revocation on this account can, take place only, in the
three following cases: 1. if the donee has attempted to take the life of the
donor. 2. If he has been guilty towards him of cruel treatment, crimes or
grievous injuries. 3. If he has refused him food when in distress. Civ. Code
of Lo. art. 1546, 1547; Poth. Donations Entrevifs, s. 3, art. 1, Sec. 1.
There are no such rules in the common law. Ingratitude is not punishable by
law.