What Is Bigamy?

General

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.