Bigamy
Bigamy (pronounced: bi-guh-mee) is a term used in Family law to describe the act of entering into a marriage while still being legally married to another person. The term originates from the Latin word bigamus, which means "twice married".
Definition
Bigamy is considered a crime in many jurisdictions, including some states in the United States, and countries like Canada and United Kingdom. It is different from Polygamy, where a person has multiple spouses at the same time, which is often recognized in certain cultures and religions.
Legal Aspects
In jurisdictions where bigamy is illegal, it is often punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both. The person who commits bigamy can be charged with a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the jurisdiction. The second marriage is usually considered void and may lead to annulment or divorce proceedings.
Related Terms
- Polygamy: The practice or custom of having more than one wife or husband at the same time.
- Monogamy: The practice or state of being married to one person at a time.
- Polyandry: The practice or condition of having more than one husband at one time.
- Polygyny: The practice or condition of having more than one wife at one time.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Bigamy
- Wikipedia's article - Bigamy
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