Thread: Should adultery be a criminal offense punishable by jailtime?

Originally Posted by creativedreams

This certainly is an example of one of the "tragic flaws" of too much freedom

Only because you believe the law should prosecute actions which are not physically injurious or destructive or larcenous.

Originally Posted by Jerry

Hmm, tell my boys and my extended family that my wife's adultery was only a breach of a contract: "Oh, mommy broke a strictly legal contract and has absolutely no effect on you at all, in anyway what-so-ever".

Never mind the credible research demonstrating that children are worse off in single parent homes. Never mind that statistics showing that they are more likely to be abused sexually, physically and emotionally by mommy’s boyfriends. No no, Tucker says none of this exists, so it must be true because he said so; and Tucker is always right, just ask him, he'll tell you.

Adultery destroys the family, the destruction of the family harms everyone immediately involved directly and society by proxy and that is why it is wrong.

It's not my morality; it's not your morality, its objective truth which, yes, does actually exist.

Your argument is born of gross ignorance and utter denial of documented facts. I can't address it comprehensively as I would have to start with basic sociological concepts which I neither have the time or patents to type nor the casual reader to digest.

You couldn't be more wrong, Tucker. Adultery is so much more than a simple breach of a contract.

Sorry that happened to you, but it doesn't make it a crime.

It's a civil matter, for civil courts.

It's been that way and will continue to be that way for a reason. Adultery isn't a crime.

Originally Posted by independent_thinker2002

Jerry, do you think your wife should have gone to jail?

Originally Posted by Jerry

What do you mean "should"?
South Dakota Codified Laws

25-4-2. Grounds for divorce. Divorces may be granted for any of the following causes:

(1) Adultery;
(2) Extreme cruelty;
(3) Willful desertion;
(4) Willful neglect;
(5) Habitual intemperance;
(6) Conviction of felony;
(7) Irreconcilable differences.

Source: SDC 1939, § 14.0703 (1) to (6); SL 1985, ch 207, § 3.

I don't see any reason to jail the adulterer.

How does your question have anything to do with the post you were responding to?

Originally Posted by scourge99

Only because you believe the law should prosecute actions which are not physically injurious or destructive or larcenous.

To expand: what compelling interest does the state have to get involved with such? And how would punishment in the form of jail or fines fix correct the behavior or the consequences of it?

Originally Posted by Jerry

How does your question have anything to do with the post you were responding to?

Sorry, I forgot your earlier post.

I was just curious.

Adultary is a symptom of some other relationship issue.

Originally Posted by creativedreams

The mental stress and damage this causes to many people is in direct relation to many, many crimes and murders....got clue?

The courts don't punish murderers for the mental anguish caused to their loved ones, that is for civil court.

I've got no qualms with people suing their cheating spouses in civil court for lost job income or other compensation due to mental anguish.

Point refuted. Anything else?

Edit: if we open pandoras box and punish people for causing mental anguish to others then where do we draw the line? If I'm upset because you didn't invite me over can I put you in jail? If a girl won't date me anymore can I put her in jail? Gets a bit absurd don't you think?