A begami is the crime of marrying someone while still legally married to another person; it's essentially bigamy. It's a legal term, and the act itself is illegal in most jurisdictions. It's closely related to, but distinct from, polygamy.
Key Aspects of Begami
- Illegality: Begami is a crime. The specifics vary depending on the jurisdiction, but it's generally considered a felony.
- Current Marriage: The core of begami is the act of entering into a second marriage while a previous marriage is still valid. A divorce or annulment must legally end the first marriage before a second marriage can be legally contracted.
- Intent: Typically, a conviction for begami requires demonstrating that the person knowingly and intentionally entered into the second marriage, aware that they were still married. Good faith mistakes can sometimes provide a defense.
- Contrast with Polygamy: While both involve having multiple spouses, polygamy can be legal in some parts of the world (though it's illegal in the US and much of Europe). Begami, on the other hand, is illegal everywhere where marriage is a legally regulated institution because the first marriage is not dissolved. The key difference is that in begami, the second marriage is entered into while the first marriage is still legally in effect.
Examples
- A man who is married in New York travels to Las Vegas and marries another woman without divorcing his first wife. This would be considered begami in both New York and Nevada.
- A woman, knowing her divorce isn't finalized, goes through with a wedding ceremony with a new partner.
Consequences
The consequences of begami can be severe and can include:
- Criminal Charges: Possible jail time and fines.
- Annulment of the Second Marriage: The second marriage is typically considered invalid.
- Civil Lawsuits: The betrayed spouse might pursue legal action for damages.
