239.—Equal degree. Persons are said to be related to a decedent “in equal degree” when they are all removed by an equal number of ates or de rees from the common ancestor. idler v. iggins, 21 N. J. Eq. 162; Helmes v. Elliott, 89 Tenn. 446, 14 S. W. 980, 10 L. R. A. 535. —Equal protection of the laws. The equal protection of the laws of a state is extended to persons within its jurisdiction, within the meaning of the constitutional requirement, when its courts are open to them on the same conditions as to others, with like rules of evidence and modes of procedure, for the security of their persons and property, the revention and redress of wrongs, and the enorcement of contracts; when they are subjected to no restrictions in the acquisition of property, the enjoyment of personal liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, which do not generally affect others; when they are liable to no other or greater burdens and charges than such as are laid upon others; and when no different or greater punishment is enforced against them for a violation of the laws. State v. Montponer 94 Me. 192, 47 Atl. 165. 80 Am. St. ep. 386. And see Duncan v. Missouri, 152