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by StooltimeCounseling from Michigan

Last Post 21 days, 17 hours Ago


The Stigma Of Adultery
Jan 25, 2008 | 7:32 AM
Category: News
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Michigan Adultery Law THE MICHIGAN PENAL CODE (EXCERPT) Act 328 of 1931
Chapter V
ADULTERY
  • 750.29 Adultery; definition. Sec. 29.

    Definition - Adultery is the sexual intercourse of 2 persons, either of whom is married to a third person.

  • 750.30 Adultery; punishment. Sec. 30.

    Punishment - Any person who shall commit adultery shall be guilty of a felony; and when the crime is committed between a married woman and a man who is unmarried, the man shall be guilty of adultery, and liable to the same punishment.

  • 750.31 Adultery; complaint and time of prosecution. Sec. 31.

    Complainant and time prosecution to be commenced - No prosecution for adultery, under the preceding section, shall be commenced, but on the complaint of the husband or wife; and no such prosecution shall be commenced after 1 year from the time of committing the offense.

  • 750.32 Adultery; cohabitation of divorced parties. Sec. 32.

    Cohabitation by divorced parties - If any persons after being divorced from the bonds of matrimony for any cause whatever, shall cohabit together, they shall be liable to all the penalties provided by law against adultery.

Adultery in MI. Michigan legal definition of Adultery. Adultery information in Michigan. Investigating adultery in Michigan. Michigan Private Investigator.

The above information is NOT legal advice and does not constitute a legal opinion.

Here's my opinion:

The stigma of adultery in 2008 is a lot like the stigma of drunk driving before the inception of MADD mothers.  There is very little stigma attached to it.

Before MADD advocated for stronger penalties for drunk driving, circa 1970's, people who got caught either got a slap on the wrist or the police did not even bother to arrest you.

Before the early 1980's, it was common for police to pull you over if you showed signs of drunk driving; however, what followed back then is very different from what happens today. Back then, it was common for the police to pour out your alcohol (if you were stupid enough to actually be drinking it while driving) and send you home. Even if you did go to court, your lawyer would probably advise a jury trial. The jury trial was a recommendation back then because, chances are, 10/12 jury members drink and drive, too. There would be sympathy and empathy for you. At least that's what your lawyer would tell you. 

Fast forward to the year 2008: No more breaks if you're busted for drunk driving. There is more of a stigma attached to it. Even though the stigma hasn't stopped everybody from doing it, if caught, you will be prosecuted.

The parallel between the drunk driving stigma and adultery stigma goes like this: I believe the adultery stigma in 2008 is similar to the drunk driving stigma before MADD mothers started doing their thing a few decades ago.

The law against adultery, referenced at the outset of this post, is not enforced probably because the act is so common. At least that's what I'm gathering when I listen to talk radio. Even if adultery is common, does that make it any less serious? I think not.

Some people call adultery a sin. It is certainly a betrayal of trust. Psychologically, the underlying motivation to commit adultery is to seek a thrill. Seeking a thrill can get a person in trouble if the behavior is illegal or immoral. That's why it's a thrill. The person doesn't intend to get caught. I submit there are legal and moral ways to seek a thrill.

It will be interesting to see how long it takes for the act of adultery to become more of a stigma by society. It took MADD mothers, and eventually the courts, to stigmatize drunk driving. Besides the church, who will step-up on this one?

 

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Member Comments Total Comments: 30
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1mother read my blog
Jan 25, 2008 | 8:37 PM

Don't act like you have never done anything wrong,only difference is Kwame has the title Mayor on his name.You're no different.
Tarick read my blog
Jan 25, 2008 | 10:52 PM

The Mayor should NOT resign. Why should he? Two of our greatest leaders, John F Kennedy and Bill Clinton were adulters, yet they are immortalized by the American public. I am not comparing Kwame to these great leaders. I am using them as an example because these men are admired because of the job they did for this country while in office, and not judged by what they did in their personal lives. What they did outside the office was nobody business. So why are we judging Kwame in his personal life? As long as you do a good job in office, that is what you should be judged by. Kwame has done a great job for the city of Detroit. What he does in his personal life is nobodys business. Maybe his wife allows his type of behavior. How do we know? We dont. So everybody should mind their business and leave the man alone. I am not saying what he did was right. But we shouldnt be asking for resignation for something that has been done by our so-called heros before him. Kwame is not perfect. I also know that anybody reading this is not perfect as well. So lets not be hypocrites. Just judge the man by what he has done for the city of Detroit.
StooltimeCounseling read my blog view my photos
Jan 26, 2008 | 12:28 AM

In my post, I referenced Michigan law about adultery. How many people knew it was a felony? I also made reference to how a society determines what laws get enforced, based on the stigma factor.

Here's another one: What we call illicit drug use in 2008 was not considered illicit until drugs permeated middle-class America. When middle-class America got hooked on drugs, the stigma began, and then came the laws that are being enforced today.

It is society that determines stigma, law and enforcement of the law. That was my main point.
StooltimeCounseling read my blog view my photos
Jan 26, 2008 | 2:01 AM

To 1mother,

You are correct. Nobody is perfect. You are also upset with my post. I have no moral anger towards the mayor. Might you?
one4change read my blog
Jan 26, 2008 | 8:37 PM

I don't care who the mayor sleeps with, my problem is the fact that he perjured himself!!! You cannot condone that conduct for anyone. If he perjured himself, how can he be trusted to lead this city in the right direction?
confused2
Jan 27, 2008 | 1:22 PM

Yup, divert divert divert

If they can convince you it's about the adultery and not the perjury or the 9 million or other monies than they can distract people into forgetting what it's really about
confused2
Jan 27, 2008 | 1:22 PM

That being said, I can see why adultery is against the law because it is a form of fraud.

You get legally married and that is a contract to be with one person (as far as I understand).
StooltimeCounseling read my blog view my photos
Jan 28, 2008 | 10:19 AM

You're correct, confused2, not confused. Marriage is a social contract. Marriage within the church adds a church contract. Divorce breaks the social contract, an annulment invalidates the church contract.
JBC12
Jan 28, 2008 | 10:33 AM

Kwame should be evicted from the city's mansion, and posted to the website www.donotrentto.com!
confused2
Jan 28, 2008 | 10:46 AM

How hard can it be to keep a contract, especially when you have an emotional attachment?

You never see a football player with the Lions say, "I'm sorry coach, I can't believe I played for the Broncos last week, I'll never do it again..."
StooltimeCounseling read my blog view my photos
Jan 28, 2008 | 11:26 AM

Sometimes it looked like some of the Detroit Lions played for the other team during the second half of the season this year.

Sometimes people who are not the marrying-kind get married for whatever reason. That type of marriage contract probably has a high risk of getting broken. It can really get complicated.
Tallman0968
Jan 28, 2008 | 1:50 PM

Every body does this.I have done this you have done this. I don't know if he should quit because of one mistake.Everybody makes mistakes thats whats makes us human.
mustangman read my blog
Jan 28, 2008 | 11:19 PM

We all have sinned,and fallen short. Proverbs chapter six verse 32-33 says,A man who commits adultery lacks judgement,whoever does so destroys himself,and his shame will never be wiped away. The good news is that jesus is quick to forgive,and so should we. The only thing is when we make poor choices, we have to still pay for them!
StooltimeCounseling read my blog view my photos
Jan 29, 2008 | 6:39 AM

Thanks, mustangman. The one other thing I'd like to add about "forgiveness" is that it is voluntary.
Beentheredonethat2 read my blog
Jan 31, 2008 | 10:04 PM

Well, I guess it's okay, no one believes in morals anymore, nor do they believe in the ten commandements.
Momo123 read my blog
Jan 31, 2008 | 11:34 PM

Thanks StooltimeCounseling for all your insite to the law on my blog!! This adultry topic goes way beyond Mr. Kwame for me. I have women in my family who only have relationships with married men and i almost hate them for there reasons behind it being married myself and cheated on by my husband! yes we are still together, and yes i still love him, but how lightly some people feel about adultry as if it's no big deal scares me. I wonder if getting away with no real punishment will invite a repeat offence!!! If the oportunity arises, why wouldn't he or she do it again.
StooltimeCounseling read my blog view my photos
Feb 1, 2008 | 7:33 AM

Momo123,
You already know this, but I'll write it anyway. Humans tend to repeat behavior that is rewarded, and stay away from behavior that is punished. Some might say that the government has no business legislating morality. I don't know how the adultry law got passed in 1931, but it is there. I do remember hearing the lawyer, Geoffrey Feiger comment on the law last year on the Mitch Albom radio show. He said something like the law was passed when "farmers" ran as politicians. He added, 'What else would you expect from farmers'? I suppose in his mind, the lawyers are doing a better job as politicians? At least when farmers were politicians, it was in-step with how our founding fathers wanted common people to run for office.
deedil read my blog
Feb 1, 2008 | 9:22 PM

So I see there is Man's Law and there is God's Law governing those who committ adultery. Also false witiness againist thy neighbor. (lie-ing). Steal-ing. Is there a law as to how many times a person can be forgiven for doing the same thing over and over again? What about thy shall have no other God before thee? KK followers remind me of Jim and the late Tammy Faye Baker's followers. Jim Baker built his HUSA off the backs of the poor christains; raped Jessica; built air conditioned dog houses for their dogs; while they encourged the poor people to send them money to plant a seed. The poor people believed Jim and Tammy Baker were God. Could do no wrong. See the similairity.

Dear God. Let there be light for the poor people of Detroit and forgive them, for they no not what they do.
cynthiadetroit read my blog view my photos
Feb 2, 2008 | 6:47 PM

I have to agree with you deedil.
HONDO read my blog
Feb 5, 2008 | 11:29 AM

TALLMAN
YEA I MAKE MISTAKES IN LIFE
I ACCEPT THE REPERCUSSION'S FOR THEM ALSO
LIKE A MAN
MY MISTAKES DID NOT COST A CITY 9 MILLION DOLLARS AND MORE
9 MILLION COULD BE BETTER SPENT ON JOBS FOR THE CITY...
SCHOOLS, FIRE, POLICE PROTECTION, ROADS, ETC
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StooltimeCounseling

Good day! My name is Mark Rogers. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Sports Counselor, Diplomate. I also work on the Human Development Steering Committee and Public Relations Committee with the Statue Of Responsibility Foundation. Google, "Stooltime Counseling", to go to my website, where you can read a number of self-help articles I have written.

Member Since: 5/20/2007


 

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