Is adultery a crime in nh?

Is Adultery a Crime in NH?

When it comes to adultery, the law can be confusing and contradictory. In some states, it is a criminal offense, while in others it is not recognized as a crime at all. But what about the state of New Hampshire?

A Brief History

Before diving into the details, let’s take a quick look at the history of adultery in the United States. Historically, many states made adultery a crime, often punishable by fine or even imprisonment. However, with the rise of feminism and the civil rights movement in the 20th century, attitudes towards adultery began to shift.

New Hampshire’s View

New Hampshire, as a libertarian-leaning state, has generally been seen as lenient towards adultery. Prior to 2012, there were statutes criminalizing adultery, punishable by a maximum fine of $100.

Recent Changes

However, in 2012, New Hampshire repealed these statutes, effectively decriminalizing adultery. The reason behind this change was not to promote or condone adultery but rather to streamline the legal system and prioritize more pressing issues.

What the Law Says Now

Now, in New Hampshire, adultery is no longer a crime. This means that individuals can no longer be prosecuted or penalized for engaging in adultery. In fact, under New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) 647:3, "Criminal conversation or adultery shall not be pleaded or relied upon as the sole foundation of an action for alienation of affection or for criminal conversation or adultery."

Key Provisions

Here are the key provisions that demonstrate New Hampshire’s stance on adultery:

• RSA 647:3 prohibits the pleading or reliance of adultery as the sole foundation of an action for alienation of affection or criminal conversation.
• RSA 637:1 specifically states that "No prosecution shall be commenced or sustained against any person for criminal conversation or adultery."
• RSA 632:4 governs the civil action of alienation of affection and explicitly excludes adultery as a basis for liability.

What Does this Mean for You?

In summary, New Hampshire law no longer treats adultery as a crime, and individuals cannot be punished or penalized for engaging in this behavior. What does this mean for you?

Implications

While the decriminalization of adultery may seem unimportant, it has far-reaching implications:

• Personal Freedoms: This change supports individual freedom and autonomy, allowing adults to make choices about their private lives without fear of persecution.
• Streamlining the Legal System: The repeal of adultery laws removes unnecessary clutter from the legal system, allowing resources to be redirected to more critical issues.
• Modernization of Laws: By decriminalizing adultery, New Hampshire is in line with changing societal attitudes towards relationships and sexuality.

Table: Comparison of State Laws on Adultery

Here’s a quick comparison of state laws on adultery:

Conclusion

In conclusion, New Hampshire has removed adultery from its criminal laws, acknowledging that it is no longer a priority in the legal system. As a state that values personal freedom and autonomy, the decriminalization of adultery reflects its commitment to allowing individuals to make choices about their private lives without government interference.