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NeCede's

Maxim 4.1.16

It is not lawful to have two wives at one time.

Duos uxores eodem tempore habere non potest.

Source: Inst. 1, 10, 6; Bouvier, *Law Dictionary* (1856); Weisman, 79a Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

The law of nature and of nations forbids bigamy — no man may contract a second marriage while a first subsists.

Where this applies

  • A person tries to marry while already having a living spouse.
  • Someone discovers their spouse has another marriage in another state.

Legal domains

criminalfamily

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 4.1.16 — It is not lawful to have two wives at one time. — Inst. 1, 10, 6; Bouvier, *Law Dictionary* (1856); Weisman, 79a (Duos uxores eodem tempore habere non potest.)

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