“Monicagate, Lewinskygate, Tailgate, Sexgate, or Zippergate”

Whatever you call it, it’s the case that parsed words over what the definition of “is” is and put a focus on what is and is not sex-and ergo adultery.

Mississippi defines Adultery as uncondoned Sexual intercourse with a person of the opposite sex, not your spouse.  To be adultery you have to be legally married, then have  intercourse with a person, not your spouse, of the opposite sex, without permission of your spouse before or forgiveness of your spouse if after.  What a definition!

Uncondoned – is the part that requires it not be with permission or forgiveness, whether before or after.

Sexual Intercourse – is the part that requires sex, and what Bill Clinton based his testimony on.

Opposite sex – is the part which requires the other person be the opposite gender from the adulterer.  This one is interesting as technically speaking a same-sex rendezvous does not meet the definition of adultery, maybe for a number of reasons.

Not your spouse – is obvious.

A Valid marriage – usually obvious, but every now and again that issue comes up.  If you are not legally married, then it is not adultery.  Mississippi abolished common law marriage over 50 years ago.

“I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Ms. Lewinsky.” – Bill Clinton

Whether is means now or is mean was, consult an attorney if you find yourself in precarious or Lewinsky-like situations.

Matthew Thompson is a Divorce and Domestic Relations Attorney in the Magnolia State.  Follow the blog:#BowTieLawyer Visit the website: #Thompson Law Firm  You may also contact Matthew with your family law matter or question at (601) 850-8000 or Matthew@bowtielawyer.ms