Answer By law4u team
Bigamy is the act of entering into a marriage with one person while still legally married to another. It is considered a criminal offense in many jurisdictions, as it violates the legal contract of marriage.
Bigamy is characterized by:
- Dual Marriage: An individual is legally married to more than one person simultaneously without the first marriage being dissolved.
- Legal Consequences: In many countries, bigamy is a punishable offense, which can result in fines, imprisonment, or both.
- Marriage Validity: The second marriage is often deemed void or voidable, meaning it may not have legal standing, depending on jurisdiction.
- Cultural and Religious Context: In some cultures and religions, polygamy (which includes bigamy) may be accepted, but it is still subject to local laws regarding marriage.
Summary:
Bigamy involves being married to more than one person at the same time and is illegal in many places, attracting various legal penalties.