Criminal conversation
Reference
Definition
Criminal conversation is a legal term for unlawful sexual intercourse with a married person, or adultery. It also refers to a common-law tort arising from adultery, a claim abolished in many jurisdictions.
Quick Facts
| Term | Criminal conversation |
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Meaning in law
Despite its wording, “criminal conversation” refers to sexual intercourse with a married person, not an ordinary discussion. In law, it describes adultery and the related common-law tort arising from it.
Legal status
The tort of criminal conversation has been abolished in many jurisdictions.