 | Should adultery be considered a crime, much like theft or murder, which is punishable by law? Why or why not? What would be a fitting punishment? What constitutes "justice"? |
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Ava M
12/8/2014 01:57:32 am
Whether it is in the Puritan time or in present day, adultery is still wrong. Marriage is to have a romantic relationship with one person, and that person alone. If you marry someone, you shouldn't go and cheat on them behind their back. Of course, some people have their reasons, just like Hester, who believed her husband to be dead for over two years. In the Puritan time, adultery was punishable by death, which is completely ridiculous in modern standards. It happens all the time in this day and age, and there are much worse things that can be done that do not receive the death penalty. If a person commits adultery they shouldn't even go to jail. Breaking someone’s heart does not equate to murder or rape; at most the couple should file for divorce. It is still wrong, but there are worse crimes in this new age.
Samantha Soracco
12/8/2014 06:52:34 am
I completely agree with you with their are worst crimes today. Besides having distrust in a relationship, there are people dieing today because they're poor and have no food. That's a crime of other governments..
Julia H.
12/9/2014 02:15:32 pm
I agree with the points you are making. I like how you tied in the book with the argument that you were making. Also, it is true that this act is not as severe as others; one should not be locked up for it. Divorce would be the better option.
Kayla A.
12/11/2014 08:12:50 am
Ava, I agree with your response. When you said that when you marry someone, you shouldn't cheat on them, I completely agree with this. It does happen a lot in this day and age. Even though it is wrong, it doesn't mean it has to be a crime. Good job Ava!
Sviatoslav K.
12/8/2014 02:02:46 am
Adultery should not be considered a form of any injustice in the criminal law system. The art of adultery, is something which does not require the waste of federal money and time. Adultery is between three people and can easily discussed between those parties and does not require the aid of the law. Unless adultery was perferomed by malicious conduct or unlawful acts, the federal law has no need in intertwining within this domestic problem. There should be no punishment instated to adultery, but it should be decied between the parties of whom the act was performed upon. The parties can decide on what happens to the relationship between the one who cheated and the one who was cheated on. One way that justice can be constituted is that the original party breaks up, and fpr their relationship to be no more. But that is to be decided between the party themselves. For in fact, the one who was being cheated on should be the judge in this case instead of a federal judge.
Andrew Cuomo
12/8/2014 10:41:51 am
You made many good points in this response and I agree with you completely.
Riley N
12/8/2014 02:22:59 pm
I respectfully agree and disagree. It definitely should not be something to waste tax dollars on. But this is something that an not be merely talked out between parties its a transgression against someone's feelings and trust and that abridgement is not easily amended
Chris W
12/9/2014 01:19:51 pm
You have some very good points Kit. However, you said adultery is something that would waste federal time and money. However, there are already many cases that do so such as every petty civil dispute.
Manny A
12/11/2014 10:30:44 am
I agree with your response completely! it is the decision of the married couple to decide how to handle the situation involving adultery, Keep up the good work!
Tom D
12/11/2014 11:15:39 am
I agree with you completely, It's a waste of time and money. I also believe that it should be strictly up to the 3 people to work out the situation.
Samantha Soracco
12/8/2014 06:50:19 am
Adultery should be considered a crime because it's wrong to have it with someone who already has a mate. It's not fair for the other person to find out that their husband or wife committed adultery with someone else. When you marry someone, it's expected that you love that person and that there is no other one to be loved. Another word for adultery is cheating on a husband or wife with another person. This is wrong because if you have a family with a husband or wife and then have adultery with an entirely different person, what example will that set for the world or kids? Adultery is showing kids that when they're older that it's ok to have adultery with just anyone. It's good to be prepared for the worst like an unpurposful child as the outcome. If the whole world did adultery, then there wouldn't be any trust with marriage hoping your lover actually loves only you. The numerous issues adultery could cause are endless. A punishment for this action should be trial in court or jail. This is a good punish my because it'll make sure adultery is atleast seen as a bad act. I'm not saying this punishment will prevent adultery but it will make people more conscientious.
Jay V.
12/9/2014 10:53:25 am
I respectfully disagree with you. Being jailed for adulterous acts is a rather harsh punishment for a personal violation. A marriage is a personal relationship, and it is the couple's decision on what to do if a situation like this occurs, weighing in important factors. For example, what if there are children in the family? If both parents are found to be disloyal, what will happen to the kids?
Andrew Cuomo
12/8/2014 10:39:55 am
Adultery is something that should not be made punishable by law. The people who committed adultery can figure out for themselves what to do. But, if it is a recurring act, then it should be reported. Cops should not be wasting their time trying to find people who committed adultery. They should be setting up "speed traps" not "adultery traps." If a person keeps committing adultery, then the punishment should be a restraining order from the person they did it with, if it really has to go to that. There is no reason make it such a big deal. And getting a restraining order is a last resort if you can't figure it out in between each other. Another way to constitute justice is for everybody just to break up and not see each other. It's quick, simple, and easy and you don't even have to go to court.
Zoe O.
12/9/2014 10:15:23 am
Though I have to disagree with your stance on this topic, I feel as through going to court or police interference could be a waste of time when dealing with the subject of adultery. Even though going to court and getting sentenced to jail may be a bit extreme, committing adultery should be punishable by law because of the promise made to your spouse when you decided to spend the rest of your life with them. Other than that, you supported your stance with a well written explanation and I enjoyed reading your response!
Andy S
12/10/2014 12:21:14 pm
Very good response, I completely agree.
Tim M
12/11/2014 07:12:45 am
I completely agree with you. Cops should be setting up "speed traps" rather than adultery ones.
Riley N
12/8/2014 02:20:12 pm
Adultery is a very complicated subject because it destroys something almost everyone holds sacred, marriage. Although marriage is something allowed for many people in the U. S. the unnatural breaking of this bond cannot be leveed against congress. This is because marriage is more sacred as a religious aspect in life and since marriage and its breaking pertains to religion congress has no right to impose laws against it. Therefore it cannot be a punishable act in the common sense of the word, but as in everything, there is a grey area or a blur between two sides. What this means there can be no criminal connections but there are well defined moral, and emotional connections attached to it. Adultery is an immoral sin that either eats away at someone's soul or unveils the deep corruption within it. While justice should be leveed against such an act it can never be because the transgression can never be repaid no matter what amends are given. The closest justice that can be served is a complete confession to the transgressed and for the transgressor to completely disappear from the others life.
Jacob E.
12/9/2014 03:53:57 am
Mr. Nixon, all due respect here, I'm going to have to disagree with a few of your points. Just because almost everyone holds marriage sacred doesn't mean it is. Some religions encourage multiple spouses, are you just going to ignore them? And I would include a little blurb about what leveed means and how to pronounce it. Maybe it's just my computer, but it says it's spelled wrong. Besides this, solid piece of blogging. Can't wait to see what you come up with next!
Sviatoslav K.
12/9/2014 05:18:01 am
I think you contradict yourself too much in your piece and go from "adultery is protected from the government," to "government can step in." I believe it would've been better off to defend only one side instead of going "into the gray area" of the argument. Besides that, you had some pretty well thought-out points.
Ava M
12/9/2014 05:33:51 am
A very enlightening response, and I completely agree with you. Adultery does cause distrust in the relationship, and is a sin. Very eloquent language and you delivered it beautifully. 12/9/2014 09:28:34 am
I completely agree with you, Riley. Marriage is a bond that is far more sacred than anything that can be judged by a court of law. This is one of the reasons why we, as the modernised United States, have a separation of Church and State.
Logan L.
12/9/2014 10:30:08 am
I completely agree on your point of how making adultery illegal would be a clear overstep of the government's need to keep itself separated from religion. That adultery is an immoral sin in the eyes of almost all Americans is also true, which is what makes it such a touchy subject. This a perfect example of how majority rule cannot be used to punish someone for a religiously based transgression, as that would be a clear overstep of the government's power.
Sean Kaufman
12/10/2014 08:31:19 am
Riley, this is a well thought out essay. I admire your thoughts about how marriage is more of a moral issue than a political perspective. It makes sense that adultery can either deteriorate someone’s mind or show one’s inner darkness. I enjoy the types of answers that take it from an angle beside yes or no and take it one-step farther. These types of responses are to me some of the best.
Jacob E.
12/9/2014 03:49:45 am
Sure, adultery is never a good thing, and it can certainly hurt people, but there is a reason it is not a criminal offense. It's not something that physically harms someone, nor is it an infraction of law. It is punishment enough for an adulterer to have to deal with their spouse after committing the act. And, if they choose to get a divorce, that's not exactly a fun process either. I think it's straight-up absurd to put adultery up there, even put it in the same sentence as theft or murder. If something is stolen, you don't get it back; if someone killed, they're gone. But in adultery, one can get there relationship back on firm ground. Also, some ways of life promote adultery (SISTER WIVES.) Making it a criminal offense would be destroying the lifestyles of these people.
Connie C.
12/10/2014 12:56:50 pm
I agree with you Jacob when you said, "If something is stolen, you don't get it back; if someone killed, they're gone. But in adultery, one can get there relationship back on firm ground." Even though it might be a hard, one can definitely mend a broken relationship.
Wade G
12/11/2014 12:15:44 am
I completely agree with you Jacob. The aftermath of adultery is punishment enough for the act. It can ruin lives easily and a man/woman does not deserve to be divorced, ostracized, bankrupt, and thrown in jail for one bad decision. These situations should not be interfered with by the law. Good job on your response Jacob.
Nolan Mazako
12/11/2014 11:30:26 am
I fully agree with you, and think that you made very excellent points. Bringing up the point on how some people promote adultery was very useful as well. 12/9/2014 09:25:47 am
Adultery, while a horrible act in itself, should not be punishable by law. It is unfit for the public and judicial systems to deem what is a fitting punishment for an act such as adultery. The punishment--if, in fact, it is a punishment--should be decided upon by the adulterer/adulteress and the person having been cheated on. Money, brought to the system by tax-payers, should not be spent needlessly on something as simple as adultery. Tax-payers are filling the system with money so that their money can be used on things that are useful such as trials for murder, rape, theft, etc..
Sean Kaufman
12/9/2014 09:43:07 am
Just like in the times of the Puritan religion, adultery is still immoral. It is going back on the very oath that one swears when one married one’s spouse. The emotional consequences cause a major toll on the partner’s mental state. That should make it punishable by at fault divorce settlement in certain states, which is a loss of a part of the divorce money. It is a process that is done without any physical harm. This punishment is much safer and more reasonable than the sentence in the Puritan religion: death. Being killed for committing adultery is too steep of a penalty, and makes me glad that I live in this modern day and age.
Logan L.
12/9/2014 10:24:04 am
Although adultery can and does cause emotional distress among married couples, it has no place as a criminal or even civil offense. People need to be able to be free to do as they wish as long as its not causing tangible damage. Even though I completely agree that adultery can cause emotional turmoil in a person, to make it an illegal act would be a mockery of what America stands for. It would be like saying disturbing speech should be outlawed. If we wish to maintain the delicate freedoms we have in this country, adultery simply cannot be considered a crime, no matter how bad its consequences. On the other hand, this is a touchy issue in America. The majority of people do not support adultery in any way. However, there is no better example than this of when majority rule must be ignored in order to protect our civil liberties and rights. If adultery was to be considered a crime in America, the punishment should be no more severe than community service, as anything more severe would simply be due to the religious intolerance of adultery, which is absolutely unacceptable in America. Even though I don't think this should be a crime, this would be the best form of justice for it.
Jay V.
12/9/2014 10:49:18 am
Though marriage is an oath to loyalty between two people who love each other, it is also a legal bond that the government can oversee and have access to. If this is the case, should any matter concerning marriage, such as if the oath is violated by committing adultery, be handled by the government? Much like the points brought up in the heated debate over same-sex marriages, adultery is one thing that the government has no right to interfere with. In a marriage, having the government involved may be useful to help provide joint bank accounts, property rights, and family inheritance. However, if one or both parties of a married couple cheat on each other, than it should be the couple’s decision what the “fitting punishment” should be. The severity and depth of the reprimand can vary – ranging from a promise to “never do it again” to a swift divorce – but, again, the punishment is for the couple to agree on, weighing in factors such as if there is a child in the family or if one of the spouses has a job but the other one does not. Adultery is not a “crime,” nor should it be punishable by capital means. Rather, it can be seen as an indication that the marriage is not fulfilling or a display of the cheating spouse’s ugly, unforgivable personality. The punishment of “disloyalty” by any means through the government is an archaic idea. Unless the act of adultery was performed using illegal means, such as molestation or rape, it lies outside of the government’s duty to step in and interfere with the matter. For example, the infamous case of Tiger Woods regarding his numerous adulterous acts within the duration of his marriage to Elin Nordegren was resolved without government action. The couple was able to decide that a divorce would be the best option for both their family and their media images.
Zoe O.
12/9/2014 10:51:41 am
Adultery, the act of having sexual relations with a person other than your spouse, is a touchy subject. Though some may believe that it is an act that should not be punishable by law, I am on the side that fully deems adultery as an act worth punishing. As a fairly religious individual, I take the Ten Commandments seriously. “Thou shall not commit adultery” is one of the divine laws that every person should follow. Even if a person is not religious, they should recognize that having sexual relations with a person outside of your marriage is inappropriate and uncalled for. When a person gets married, they make a promise to be united as one being, and to promise to stay faithful to each other at all costs. True love should not be completely ruined because of one act of lust, especially since you are spending the rest of your life with the person you are married to, not the one you are committing the “deed” with. If a person, man or woman, commits this act, the law should reprimand them. Adultery should not be considered a capital crime, such as robbery or murder, but should be taken as a serious offense. As a wife or a husband, you promised that you would stay faithful to your spouse, and cheating on them means that you are willing to take chances that may ruin some of the biggest aspects of your life. Who’s to say that if you cheat on your husband/wife that you won’t follow all the rules of your career or even listen to the law? At that point, the government should be allowed to intervene and chastise you for your offense. Though some people believe that adultery was only considered a capital punishment hundreds and hundreds of years ago, many would be shocked to realize that even today, individuals across the globe are receiving the death penalty for committing that same crime. If you were to commit adultery in many African or Asian countries, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Somalia and Pakistan, you would most likely be killed. Even though I fully believe the law should punish people for committing adultery, the consequence should be nowhere as severe as murder. People do make mistakes (we are all human), but the person who commits the crime must learn that is was a wrongful act. A sufficient punishment for adultery in my eyes would be immediate divorce, an issue of a restraining order between the original married couple, and a fine of anywhere up to a few thousand dollars, depending on how many times the act was committed, and with how many people. Nothing would constitute justice for this crime because the person who committed adultery lost complete trust in their partner, and that could never be repaid or gained back. Forgiveness should be awarded, but the transgressor of the sin needs to understand that they broke the strongest bond a person could develop in their life: unconditional love.
Kelly W
12/10/2014 12:58:59 pm
I think we have different opinions on this solely because of our different backgrounds. You believe in God very strongly and are a very religious person, while as I am the complete opposite. I don't find adultery to be a terrible sin, and I don't find that a fine needs to be placed on a person who commits this act. It just doesn't seem necessary as a punishment. The couple can easily just divorce if they want to end the marriage.
Ethan LaFrance
12/10/2014 01:32:48 pm
Zoe, although I love the zeal and fervor with which you construct your blog posts, the most basic support for your reasoning is inherently flawed. The Ten Commandments are nowhere in the United States Constitution, and the government in not in power to teach people how to live according to the Judeo-Christian morals. Although it is hard for many to believe after the relentless destruction of other religions by Christians and Muslims past, there are people and belief systems in existence other than Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. To be fair to all parties, we cannot implement a moral system in our law. The setup of your answer is sound and powerful, but I must disagree with your opinion.
Laura W.
12/11/2014 09:37:18 am
I agree with this post for the most part. The last line especially hit hard. However, let's refrain from discussing religion, although I will say this: to most religions, the Ten Commandments are rules in their religion. Christianity is not the only religion that believes adultery is a sin.
Chris Wolf
12/9/2014 01:17:59 pm
People in the United States have a right to privacy. Adultery being an example of this. If a spouse has an affair with another person, the spouse nor the third party should be punished by law. Since adultery is a private affair, the government can have no say in it. It is up to the married couple and the mister/mistress to talk it out. If there is no resolution, a divorce is always an option, but not prosecution. Adultery was very frowned upon in Puritan society so much that it was punishable by death. However, there was not privacy in Puritan times. Now, people are allowed privacy. Adultery is a nasty act, but it is a private affair and therefore should not be punishable by law.
Thomas W.
12/10/2014 12:14:40 pm
That's a very good point Chris about how adultery is a private matter. By incarcerating people for committing adultery it turns it into a public spectacle which may not be favorable for any party involved. The problem with keeping it private though is that there are often too strong emotions for people to "talk it out," and some people resort to violence
Kelly M.
12/11/2014 05:37:57 am
I agree with you in the fact that this is a private matter that should be dealt with as such. This is a very well articulated and thought out answer. Great job!
Julia H.
12/9/2014 02:11:52 pm
Although adultery is a serious issue between two people in any committed marriage, I do not feel it should be considered a criminal offense. If there is one person in a married couple that makes the decision to betray their spouse, the punishment or repercussions should be a conclusion reached by the two of them. It is a private matter that should really not be discussed among a whole group of people. The government should not have the right to be involved in a personal problem, it should be something that is reserved for the married couple. Love is something that should be cherished and committing adultery should result in consequences from the other individual. The government, or the judicial system, should not be able to intrude in private matters that have no bearing on the well-being of its citizens other than those involved. Breaking the marriage bond should not be something one enters into lightly. Marriage is something that is part of the seven sacraments as well as part of the Ten Commandments. It is a bond between two individuals that should be held sacred with no other person capable of severing this bond. Once it is breached it is very difficult to repair, resulting in guilt, pain, loss, and regret. All just consequences imposed by ourselves on to each other after infidelity. There is no need for the law to execute punishment for this faithlessness, we are adept at bringing judgment upon ourselves in private matters of the heart.
Mrs. Elbakry
12/10/2014 06:45:07 am
Julia, wow. That last statement was so well-articulated. You speak some profound truth right there. Well said.
Marisa B
12/11/2014 12:05:48 am
I agree with you, Julia! Adultery should not be addressed within the government because it is a personal problem between spouses. It is definitely wrong, but should not be considered a crime that is punished by the government.
Sydney T.
12/11/2014 12:24:06 am
Julia, I agree with all of the points that you have made. The government and judicial system should not be involved, for marriage is a private matter. I also agree with you on how you said that the punishments should be established between the two of them.
Rachael T.
12/11/2014 10:31:24 am
I agree with your point of view, the government shouldn't have to take part in something so personal. Anybody involved in the scandal will feel a certain way about it, so the punishments should be decided between them.
hailey horan
12/10/2014 08:43:45 am
Adultery should be considered a crime, only to a certain extent though. What exactly is adultery? Well, it can be described as
Thomas W.
12/10/2014 12:08:51 pm
As immoral and often painful adultery can be, it is not a transgression that requires the government to step in. The great thing about America is that it accepts all beliefs and religions. However, this also gives people the right to deceive and lie as they please. Adultery cannot be punished any more than other deceptions and betrayals can. In most religions, such as most sects of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, it is a high offense for one to commit adultery. However, it was historically considered moral in the Mormon faith for a man to have multiple wives. Religions should be regulated unless they involve the sadistic harming of others. There are also many nonreligious people who see no problem in cheating. While it is the case that adultery will often cause great pain, it is not the governments job to step in to prevent it. It is a personal issue between the couple. The problem that arises from no legal punishment is that some people will feel the need to gain revenge on their unfaithful partner or the person they are seeing. However, although the reaction to adultery will sometimes be considered illegal the government has no power to restrict adultery itself, nor should it. As stated above, one of the greatest things about America is that it allows for all religions (or lack thereof). Since adultery is so intertwined with religion it should not be considered an enforceable crime. As John F. Kennedy once said, "An act against one church is treated as an act against all."
Patrick M
12/11/2014 11:31:12 am
Great response! I didn't even realize how similar our viewpoints were until I came back and started reading these posts, lol. I liked your inclusion of the ways in which the law treats religions, as it is very relevant to this issue of adultery.
Andy S
12/10/2014 12:19:52 pm
Adultery is a moral issue, one that does not concern the government nor the judicial system. Adultery is wrong, yes, but should not be something that should be brought before a judge. American law allows for divorce, so there should be no reason one has to commit adultery. Since one is clearly no longer interested in ones spouse, the law permits divorce. Divorce would allow for one to find a new spouse, rather than becoming an adulterous one.
Kelly W.
12/10/2014 12:31:45 pm
Adultery can be argued very strongly from both sides, but I believe that it should not be an issue that the law becomes involved in. I strongly believe in the idea that if someone is cheating on you, the relationship is over at that point and that you shouldn't stay with that person. If that person really loved you, they wouldn't feel the need or urge to cheat on you; It just wouldn't happen. If a relationship is over, then divorce is in order. If that couple decides to overcome the issues and overlook the fact they were unfaithful, then so be it. The issue solely lies between the feelings of the two people in the relationship, and I don't think the law needs to influence the decision of the two. The punishment of this act could easily be a divorce, which is what the necessary option is (in my view). This can't be compared to murder as it is way less offensive than murder. Murder is the actual taking of someone’s life, while adultery is simply just being unfaithful with a spouse. Murder is much harder to forgive and move on from, as adultery can be forgive and moved on from much easier. The only thing that could really serve justice in this situation is separating. If the marriage isn't working, couples always have the option to divorce. No one is telling them to stay together, so why should we make a law if two people aren't being forced to stay together for the rest of their lives?
Erin Satkowski
12/11/2014 10:26:09 am
I agree with you completely. Adultery is strictly between the people involved and it is their decision on how to go about things. A divorce is punishment enough for the people involved. Adultery cannot be compared to murder in terms of law. Therefore, it shouldn't be considered a crime and shouldn't have any punishment other than divorce if that is how the people want to go about it.
Connie C
12/10/2014 12:49:48 pm
Even though adultery is a severe affair between husband and wife, I do not think that it should be a criminal offense. In this act, no one is getting hurt physically, nor is anything being stolen. Furthermore, no one is forcing anyone to do anything either; it is just an unfaithful spouse sleeping with someone that is not their lawful companion. All it shows is that their marriage is breaking apart.
Ethan LaFrance
12/10/2014 01:26:11 pm
The notion that being unfaithful to one's spouse is something that the government has any right to interfere in is ridiculous. The amount of responses I have read supporting this idea has actually frightened me. Thankfully, my fear is largely irrational because the United States Constitution and Supreme Court would never permit such laws to be taken seriously (although they exist, largely unenforced, in some states). The outlawing of adultery would not only overstep uncountable amounts of boundaries, but infringe the right to privacy established by the Supreme Court and implied in the Constitution. It's almost like criminalizing sodomy again; what's behind closed doors between two consenting adults shouldn't be a matter of law. Seeing that the reasoning of most of my classmates in favor of this abuse of power is religion, and entire other issue shall rear its ugly head: separation of church and state. This is one of the primary doctrines upon which the United States was founded, but it has remained relevant throughout it's entire 200+ years of existence. The support of almost every (except for those that are polygamist) religion by punishing adulterers would be oppressive to those individuals who believed in any sort of sexual freedom, and would open the door for more government invasion based on outdated moral codes. When individuals no longer have the right to have their own sets of morals, when the government forces one down their throats instead, the "land of the free" is no more.This is exactly Nathaniel Hawthorne's Transcendentalist message: moral codes are relative to one's opinion, and "higher authorities" have no right to judge another using their own. No punishment at all, even in the most minor degree, should exist for adultery. "Justice" would be leaving people with their inalienable right to be left alone, and refraining from intrusion where the law has no place.
Justin O.
12/11/2014 11:52:44 am
Ethan - you make great points, especially with reference to the Constitution
Marisa B
12/11/2014 12:03:48 am
Adultery is defined as voluntary sexual intercourse with a person other than your spouse, who you are committed to. I believe that adultery is morally wrong. Being married is a commitment to the person who you said your vows too. Therefore, adultery is morally incorrect on a level of faithfulness. However, I do not believe that it is the government's responsibility to punish people on a level of theft or murder. Committing adultery is something between spouses, where the government does not need to step in. If a married person decides to not be faithful to his or her spouse by committing adultery, that should stay between the two of them. The punishment of adultery will be justified by the guilt of the decision made and the anger of the other spouse. Adultery should not be considered a crime because it is a personal decision that is between spouses. Although it is morally incorrect, the government does not need to punish people for adultery within their own relationship. A sufficient punishment will prove itself when the other spouse leaves or the guilt antagonizes the person who committed adultery for the rest of their life.
Wade G
12/11/2014 12:06:58 am
Adultery should not be considered a crime. As horrrible as it is to be unfaithful in marrige it is not completly the accused's fault. When you marry someone you both have gotten to know eachother enough to know if your partener would be unfaithful. If you realize who you are marrying and choose to take that risk then it is partly your mistake. If you do beleive your husband/wife would never be unfaithful, it is unfortunate if it happens. But, it may be because you aren't tending to his/her needs. Adultery rarely just occurs for no reason if the marrige was gone into with confidence. There should be no legal punishment for adultery. Although the partner that commits this haneous act should be socially ostricized, and often are. It is an act that is morally wrong and should not be looked upon as a crime but an act that defines them as a person. Then it is in society's hands how it will be handeled.
Sydney T.
12/11/2014 12:20:33 am
Love is supposedly between two people, that is what we are told from a young age anyways. But, as we have grown older, it has become apparent that people fall in and out of love with one another. Marriage is something that should be kept private between two people and the government and justice system should not be involved. Adultery is never a good thing, at least that is what's thought by many people, but it is not something that should be punishable law. Being in love with someone is not a tangible act committed. Love and marriage is an ideology created by humans and we have made up the morals for it. Promises are almost never kept and being punished by the law would be absurd. Yes, adultery is wrong but if it were to be punishable by law people would get in trouble everyday for not keeping promises and everyone breaks promises. Something like adultery should not be compared and punished to other crimes like murder and theft. Adultery does not take lives or objects like other crimes committed. If the government were to get involved in marriages like this there would be less freedom in society. It is a private matter that should be dealt with the people involved only.
Heather H.
12/11/2014 10:58:19 am
I like the example you used about people breaking promises. It shows just how similar adultery is to other everyday acts, even though it is bad. You used relatable terms to prove your point.
Bri Y
12/11/2014 11:07:49 am
Sydney, I 100% agree with your comment on your post. It was written as well as flowed nicely. I do agree that adultery shouldn't be considered a crime and that the government should stay out of it. People should stay private in the faults of their decisions.
Mary Palys
12/11/2014 11:31:39 am
I like your opinion. I think we share the same ideology behind the topic, though yours was written better!
Kelly M.
12/11/2014 05:34:50 am
There is no place for the issue of adultery in the judicial system. Although it may go against the morals of some people, there should not be a law that punishes a person for making a mistake. Every marriage is different and there is not a set standard for how spouses need to handle mistakes within their vow. The government has bigger issues to deal with like murder, rape, and other felonies of that kind. There is no need for the judicial system to get involved in these types of personal matters. Some couples will choose to work out their issues, while others will want nothing to do with one another. There would not be a way to determine an appropriate punishment either. Some people will cheat once, and others will continue to do it until they get caught. The reason why most people think adultery should be punishable by law is because it is considered to be a sin and incorrect in the eyes of God. However, the government has made it a priority to ensure that church and state are separate. If for some reason the decision to make adultery illegal and punishable by law was actually put into effect, which would be directly placing the importance of a religion in the government. There would be no way to constitute justice for this type of offense.
Tim M
12/11/2014 07:07:52 am
Adultery should not be considered a form of any injustice. Although it is unfaithful, it should not be a crime. The act of adultery, is something which does not require federal money and time. Adultery rarely occurs for no reason. If the marrige was gone into with confidence. There should be no legal punishment. In this act, no one is getting physicalls hurt or anything getting stolen. No one is forcing anyone to do anything either. Adultery is more of a moral problem, one that should not concern the government.
Christopher C
12/11/2014 10:36:39 am
I agree with you that adultery is unfaithful, but not a crime. Nice Job
Kayla A.
12/11/2014 08:07:12 am
Adultery is not a crime today and it shouldn't be considered a crime. Adultery is when someone that is married has a relationship with another person that is not their spouse. This is not something that the government has to get involved with. It would waste time and money. It is something that three people can work out among themselves. There shouldn't be a punishment for adultery. Adultery is morally wrong, not legally wrong, so there shouldn't be a punishment. The couple should get a divorce if it really isn't working out. Adultery does happen no matter what in some relationships, but it is not bad enough to be an actual crime. It would be a waste.
Stephanie B.
12/11/2014 11:25:30 am
I do agree that adultery is morally wrong, but should not be considered a crime.
Laura W.
12/11/2014 09:26:33 am
This is a very difficult subject to debate. On one hand, adultery is not murder or theft. On the other, it might as well be. When you commit adultery, you have destroyed someone. You may have fallen out of love, but perhaps your partner has not. The partner you once swore the vows eternal devotion to. I am not trying to deny anyone the right of divorce- if anything in these cases I encourage it. If you are no longer happy, then there is no point in continuing the marriage. However, adultery is cowardly. It is like saying instead of asking for a divorce you would much rather destroy their lives for one selfish act. Adultery is selfish, no denying that. The victim of adultery loses much more than his/her spouse. (S)He loses his/her trust in love. How will they know the next person that says "till death do us part" doesn't screw someone behind his/her back? That being said, the punishment for adultery should not be as bad as other sentences. I like public humiliation, myself, but I don't think that's legal. I also believe you should have to pay a fine for all the years you spent married to the other person, maybe $500 per year. Unless, of course, this is like those ID channel shows when the husband/wife and his/her lover decides to off their spouse and dump their body in the East River. Then, the sentence should be, without a doubt, life with out parole, both of them. Actions have consequences, and whether you literally or figuratively killed someone, there should be consequences.
Mrs. Elbakry
12/11/2014 09:52:08 am
Interesting perspective, Laura! I love hearing your personality shine through in your writing.
Erin Satkowski
12/11/2014 10:07:38 am
Adultery should not be considered a crime like murder or theft. This type of mistake is not as serious as those such as murder and theft. Adultery is tied in with religions, Christianity for example, and if it were illegal for this type of act to occur, there would no longer be a separation of church and state. Adultery deals more with morals rather than the government having control over the people. Also, adultery is something that involves trust within a relationship. Therefore, it shouldn't be considered a crime because the person who was in a relationship with the person that committed adultery shouldn't have trusted that person. It is their own mistake with whom they decided to be in a relationship with. A punishment that would best be suited for this type of act would be the guilt the person who committed adultery would have to endure. Also, that person should have to pay a fine to the people affected in the act. The only type of justice that would result from this would be that the victims would learn from their mistakes about who to trust.
Manny A
12/11/2014 10:19:09 am
Adultery is a very sensitive subject involving the betrayal of one married spouse to the other. It may lead to a very long road of emotional pain that can permanently affect a person. Even though this is the case, it should not be considered a law since it does not cause any physical harm to any individual. The government already has enough issues to deal with involving crimes that people commit. Would it really be smart to add another law to the long list already? It is a private issue involving 3 individuals and it is unlawful for the government to intervene. Also, there can be many different reasons for the act of adultery to be committed. For instance, if a couple is having problems and it doesn’t seem as though they would ever get over them, then they might seek an opportunity to get with another person whom they actually share a deep connection with. It is understandable that the couple could have easily gotten a divorce, however it is a process that takes some time to complete. Should the married couple really wait until the whole process is over to start seeing other people? In the Scarlett Letter, Hester hadn’t seen her husband in over two years and she was very much convinced that he had died. She decided it was time for her to see other suitors and even though it wasn’t condoned by the Puritan society, she did what anyone who was feeling alone would do; she found comfort in another person. Adultery is a topic that should be handled by the people that were affected by the issue, those being the married couple and the other individual helping one of the spouses preform the act. It should not have anything to do with the law, unless physical harm was being done during the acts of Adultery.
Rachael T.
12/11/2014 10:27:48 am
Those that take part in an adultery scandal should not go unpunished, however any repercussions should not be decided by the government. Of course, one should never break a marriage vow and cheat on a spouse, but people are going to do it anyways. Reasons why people are unfaithful to spouses vary, and nobody can truly control their feeings towards another. Although cheating is dishonest and selfish, the government shouldn't have to be involved. Instead, those included in the scandal should take care of the issue themselves and sort everything out. Whether it ends in a divorce or an untrusting relationship, the government shouldn't waste time and money on something so personal. Shame should be enough punishment, and the spouse being cheated on should have the right to make any reasonable demands. Those demands could include payment, or possession of things like children or a house that might have been shared between the two during their healthy marriage.
Christopher C
12/11/2014 10:30:56 am
I don't believe that adultery should be considered a crime much like theft or murder. Although adultery can be a moral issue, adultery has nothing to do with the government. Therefore there should not be any punishment by law. However that doesn't mean that without punishment there are no consequences. With adultery comes consequences like being labeled as immoral and untrustworthy in society. The problem with adultery is that there are many variables that could lead to people to seem guilty of committing adultery. Some people could be committing adultery with someone that they didn't even realize that was married. If adultery was a crime innocent people that were lied to or misinformed on the marital status could be punished by law it were considered a crime. Having consequences as an outcome of adultery instead of actual punishment makes constituting justice about adultery seem a more effective method.
Heather H.
12/11/2014 10:54:59 am
Adultery is a horrible act of betrayal. Having sexual relationships with people other than your spouse is an abhorrent action. In some religions, this is a sin. In others, though, it is encouraged to have multiple sexual partners.The United States is primarily Christian, but the Constitution gives us freedom to practice any religion. Therefore, adultery should not be punishable by law. It may be traumatic for the couple, but the government does not need to step in. The person committing the act should realize that they have done wrong, and, in most cases, their spouse would not be okay with it. The couple could get a divorce to settle the issue, meaning that there is no need for criminal punishment. The government has no right to interfere with a couple’s issues. It would be a waste of federal money for laws to be implemented to enforce stopping adultery. While adultery can damage one’s heart, there is no need for extensive court cases when it is committed.
Brianna Young
12/11/2014 11:00:31 am
There is much more freedom in America today than there was back then. Men and women have the freedom of speech, freedom to trial, and freedom of religion. There is a wider spectrum of decisions to be made by people. Depending on what a person does, that is their own fault. No one can stop people from making personal choices. Adultery is a common incident that is considered a "crime". Adultery is voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and a person who is not his or her spouse. In some parts of American society, take the military for example, adultery is considered a serious crime. There would be an extensive punishment that would lead to getting kicked out. It is due to this fact that adultery should not be considered a serious crime. Murdering a person or stealing is far worse than any act of adultery. Adultery is a person's own fault, and that is the weight of their own decision. It is not the governments/authorities job to take care of this act, wether is it wrong or not to betray your loved one. It is the wrong doer's choice and if they pick betrayal, let it be. A murder is an action that hurts not only the person who did the act, but the victim as well. With adultery, the two people who committed it together know that they are wrong doers, but yet they still choose to make this decision. There should be no penalty for this act. Hopefully the weight of their decision will crush him or her harder than any punishment given.
Tom D
12/11/2014 11:10:54 am
It seems almost ridiculous that there is any question as to whether or not adultery can be considered a crime punishable by law. Is it really the governments business if someone cheats on his or her spouse? They shouldn't be spending money to hold a trial because someone committed adultery, there are more important things they could be doing with that money. Also, some religions allow for more than one wife, if there is suppose to be separation between church and state, then how could adultery be considered a crime punishable by law, it could be a crime in one religion and not be a crime in another. If a person cheats on his or her spouse they should have to keep it between them to find a solution to the problem. if they want a divorce, so be it, if they want to try to work through it, then that's what they do. There should be no intervention from the government whatsoever.
Patrick McNamara
12/11/2014 11:20:46 am
Adultery, as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is, "Voluntary sexual intercourse between a married man and someone other than his wife or between a married woman and someone other than her husband." In other words, adultery is what is today referred to as "cheating" on one's significant other. Partaking in this act is widely regarded as a selfish and morally irresponsible thing to do, and many divorces and break-ups have resulted from it. However, even with all this in mind, adultery should not be punishable by law. A personal relationship is, as the name implies, personal. The issues that one might have with one's spouse is in no way the business of the government. There are simply too many possible causes of adultery to place a universally harsh punishment on every single adulterer. The law punishes murderers, for example, because these criminals take what is arguably the most valuable and precious item on the planet: life. In the case of adultery, the only definite thing taken by the cheater and lost by the spouse is trust. Anything beyond that is much too open to interpretation and subjectification to hand down any sort of legal punishment for. Of course, if there are any criminal actions like emotional abuse (threats, violent remarks, etc.) associated with an act of adultery, then they should be punished to the full extent of the law, but as separate incidents. Adultery can be taken into account in court, but the act itself should not be considered to be a crime.
Stephanie B.
12/11/2014 11:24:05 am
I’m not saying that adultery is right. But I don’t think it should be considered a crime punishable by using the law. The Puritans used the Bible as a guideline for the laws set for their society. Currently in America, the government and church are separated. This makes the sin of adultery not punishable by the law. I do think that repercussions are needed when someone cheats. The most likely course of action should be divorce and the guilty party should not receive the majority of assets. The only time adultery should be enforced with the law is if the guilty party lies about it under oath. If they lie of cheating with their significant other while under oath they should be punished. The maximum sentence for this should only be a shirt time in jail.
Nolan Mazako
12/11/2014 11:26:57 am
Adultery; in the religious aspect, it is one of the very oldest law one knows. “Thou shall not commit adultery.” Those who commit this act may be frowned upon; thought of as unjust, or unholy. But in law, it should not be considered a crime. Just like divorce, which is thought of as sacrilegious, is not punishable by law. And even without the religious point of view, it is more of a personal madder than anything. The exact definition of adultery states that it is volunteered. In other words, it is not forced upon by another party. No punishment should be enforced upon him/her through a legal standpoint. Although that does not mean that nothing should be done in response to the act. If anything, a discussion between those involved should transpire because, as it was said before, this is more of a personal madder than anything else.
Mary Palys
12/11/2014 11:29:01 am
No. Adultery should not be punished by law or even be considered by any superior force. Although it may seem like a terrible crime, it is a "crime" in someone's personal life. Within the United States democracy people can have abortions, burn the American flag, and get divorced. These are all actions that are based off of people's believes and opinions. Some might say that by doing any one of those so called crimes that they are a bad person, but to others they aren't. An action should not be seen as "good" or "bad" without the circumstances of the situation. Adultery should not be punished because people shouldn't care about another's personal life and not a circumstances are the same.
Justin O.
12/11/2014 11:31:29 am
Adultery should not be a crime punishable by law like theft and murder. Adultery is a moral issue that breaks the commitment made during marriage. Morality is not something that can be controlled by the law. It comes from the foundation of a person's beliefs and their thoughts on what is right or wrong. The world would be better place if laws could force people to do what is morally correct. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Laws protect society in many ways, but they cannot protect us from the wrongs that people may do us like adultery. In terms of adultery, a fitting punishment would be to have the person who committed adultery face their spouse and explain everything. This way it can remain a matter for the couple to handle without judgement from outsiders.
Ashley Lombardi
12/11/2014 04:16:50 pm
Jeet Rosa
12/12/2014 02:46:10 am
Ashley you brought up great points by referring it back to puritans. It is relative to what we are learning now and your response is well articulated. Nice job.
Jeet Rosa
12/12/2014 02:44:59 am
When discussing the sacred bondage known as marriage, it is difficult to determine whether breaking vows is or is not it should be considered a crime. This is due to the fact that marriage is usually a religious endeavor and that church and state must remain separated by order of the constitution. In my personal opinion, adultery should not be a crime on a legal issue, but it should be discussed among the involved parties and solved internally. The main issue when discussing adultery is morality and this cannot be argued in court. A way to solve this problem would have to discuss the issue, or to simply just file a divorce. There should be no legal punishment, the person would just be looked down upon by society. Adultery has been a crime since biblical times, but it used to have a way more severe of a punishment. Modern times call for a less severe response. Comments are closed.
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May 2015
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