Is adultery illegal in new jersey
A question that gets to the heart of morality and the law!
In New Jersey, adultery is not a criminal offense. In fact, the state has abolished the crime of adultery through a 1972 court decision.
In the case of State v. Kelsey, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that adultery was no longer a criminal offense in the state. The court held that the law prohibiting adultery was unconstitutional because it was overly broad and violated the right to privacy.
Prior to this decision, New Jersey's adultery law made it a crime punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $1,000. However, the law was rarely enforced, and many legal scholars and advocates argued that it was an outdated and unconstitutional restriction on personal freedom.
Today, while adultery is not illegal in New Jersey, it can still have significant legal and financial consequences in certain situations. For example:
- Divorce: Adultery can be considered a ground for divorce in New Jersey, and it may impact the distribution of assets and spousal support.
- Child custody: Adultery may be considered in child custody disputes, particularly if it is deemed to have a negative impact on the children.
- Family law disputes: Adultery may be relevant in disputes over child support, alimony, or other family law issues.
- Employment: Adultery may be considered a breach of contract or a violation of company policies in certain employment situations.
It's important to note that while adultery is not illegal in New Jersey, it can still have significant social and emotional consequences for individuals and their relationships.