Define: Adultery

Adultery
Adultery
Quick Summary of Adultery

Extra-marital sex between a male and female, at least one of whom is married to another person. In most countries, adultery is a legal ground for divorce.

What is the dictionary definition of Adultery?
Dictionary Definition of Adultery

Adultery is a noun that refers to the act of engaging in sexual relations with someone other than one’s spouse or committed partner, while being married or in a committed relationship. It involves a breach of trust and fidelity, often resulting in emotional distress and damage to the relationship. Adultery is generally considered a violation of the social and moral norms surrounding monogamous relationships.

Voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and a person who is not his or her spouse.

  1. Sexual intercourse by a married person with someone other than their spouse.
  2. Bible Lewdness or unchastity of thought as well as act, as forbidden by the seventh commandment.
  3. Bible Faithlessness in religion.

n. consensual sexual relations when one of the participants is legally married to another. In some states it is still a crime and and in many states it is grounds for divorce for the spouse of the married adulterer. The criminal charges are almost never brought, and in those states in which there is no-fault divorce (or dissolution), adultery is legally not relevant. Until the 1970s, in community property states adultery was grounds for giving the person cheated upon most of the couple’s property, often resulting in lurid and long trials and grist for scandal newspapers.

Full Definition Of Adultery

Adultery refers to the act of engaging in sexual intercourse with someone other than one’s spouse while being married. It is considered a legal and moral offense in many jurisdictions, although the legal consequences and definitions may vary.

In some jurisdictions, adultery is a ground for divorce, allowing the innocent spouse to seek dissolution of the marriage based on the infidelity of the other spouse. However, in many jurisdictions, including some U.S. states, adultery is not considered a legal ground for divorce, as no-fault divorce laws have been adopted.

From a legal perspective, adultery may have consequences in certain areas, such as property division, child custody, and alimony. In some jurisdictions, adultery can be considered as a factor in determining the division of marital assets or the awarding of alimony. However, it is important to note that these consequences are not universal and depend on the specific laws and regulations of each jurisdiction.

Criminal laws regarding adultery also vary widely across jurisdictions. In some countries, adultery is a criminal offense, punishable by fines, imprisonment, or even corporal punishment. However, in many jurisdictions, adultery is not a criminal offense and is considered a private matter between the individuals involved.

It is essential to consult the specific laws of the jurisdiction in question to understand the legal implications and consequences of adultery. Legal advice from a qualified attorney should be sought to navigate the complexities of adultery laws and their potential impact on personal and family matters.

Consensual sexual relations by a married person with someone other than his or her spouse. In many US states, adultery is technically a crime, though people are rarely prosecuted for it. In states that have retained fault grounds for divorce, adultery is always sufficient grounds for a divorce. In addition, some states alter the distribution of property between divorcing spouses in cases of adultery, giving less to the “cheating” spouse.

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This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.

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